“Republican Senators Raise Concerns Over Trump’s Tariff Policy”
In the wake of President Donald Trump’s controversial tariff measures affecting all U.S. trading partners, several Republican senators are cautioning about the potential dangers for American households. Sen. Ted Cruz, a Texas Republican and vocal supporter of Trump, garnered attention for his remarks, both on Fox News and his podcast “Verdict,” emphasizing that tariffs ultimately burden consumers and could have negative economic repercussions if prolonged. He stressed the importance of using tariffs as leverage to negotiate lower tariffs globally, rather than as a long-term strategy that could lead to inflation, stifle job growth, and potentially trigger a recession. Other officials, including Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, expressed optimism about the policy’s future impact, while Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky also criticized the tariffs as detrimental taxes on Americans. Additionally, Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa introduced a bill requiring congressional approval for new tariffs, collaborating with Democratic Sen. Maria Cantwell on the proposal.
During an appearance on CBS News’ “Face the Nation,” it was stated that seven Republicans have expressed support for the bill. Rep. Don Bacon, a Republican from Nebraska, indicated to CBS that he was leaning towards backing a similar measure in the House. However, the bill is expected to face challenges, as it would require substantial Republican backing in both chambers to pass, and Speaker Mike Johnson is against the idea. Currently, there are few indications of widespread opposition to President Trump’s policies. Sen. John Barrasso, a member of the Republican leadership, defended Trump’s tariff actions, stating that he believed they were constitutional and necessary to address China’s longstanding trade abuses. Lawmakers from the House and Senate are set to reconvene in Washington on Monday. Senators Ted Cruz and Rand Paul have also voiced concerns about the potential risks associated with Trump’s tariff policy. This article was first published on abcnews.go.com.
