President Donald Trump’s decision to impose sweeping tariffs is causing tension within the Republican Party.
With broad tariffs on Canada and Mexico set to take effect next week—alongside a new 25% duty on most imported vehicles—GOP lawmakers fear the economic consequences could spark a backlash from voters.
Many Republicans worry that these tariffs will lead to soaring prices on everyday goods, potentially hurting American consumers and businesses. Some lawmakers are even considering ways to limit the president’s authority over trade policy.
Rep. Don Bacon (R-Neb.) told CNN’s Wolf Blitzer that Congress should reclaim control over tariffs:
Tariffs should be a Congressional-initiated action. I think we made a mistake by giving the president temporary tariff authority. We should restore that power back to Congress.
Similarly, Rep. Ralph Norman (R-N.C.) acknowledged the economic strain that Trump’s auto tariffs could impose but still expressed hope in the president’s long-term trade strategy.
Economists and Republican policy experts warn that the tariffs could cause short-term inflation and increased costs for American families. Phill Swagel, the chief of the Congressional Budget Office, explained the risks on CNBC:
Tariffs reduce economic efficiency and drive up prices. While we don’t expect sustained inflation, there will be a period of higher costs that negatively affect households and businesses.
Not all Republicans oppose the tariffs. Rep. Marlin Stutzman (R-Ind.) believes that, despite uncertainty, the move will strengthen America’s bargaining position in global trade.
“We knew this would be a little rocky, but these countries need us as a partner. The leverage gained from tariffs will help American consumers in the long run.”
Trump’s tariff increase on steel and aluminum imports, which took effect on March 12, 2025, has already triggered retaliatory tariffs from the European Union on $28 billion worth of U.S. goods.
Canadian officials, including Ontario Premier Doug Ford, have criticized the new 25% tariff on imported automobiles, warning it will raise costs for American families and put jobs at risk.
Trump also issued a warning to Canada and the European Union, stating that more tariffs could come if they attempt to harm the U.S. economy.
Some lawmakers argue that Congress must reclaim its constitutional authority over trade policies. The Trade Expansion Act of 1962 gave the president the power to regulate imports affecting national security, but some Republicans now see this as a mistake.
Rep. Bacon emphasized that Congress should take back tariff authority:
Take away the authorizations we‘ve allowed presidents—not just President Trump, but also President Biden and President Obama before him. Congress has the power of the purse.
While some Republicans see Trump’s tariffs as a strategic move, others worry about the long-term economic impact.
As trade tensions escalate, the GOP faces a critical choice: support the president’s trade policies or push to reclaim Congressional authority over tariffs.
One thing is clear—the debate over tariffs isn’t just about trade; it’s about the balance of power between the executive and legislative branches.
The coming months will determine whether Congress steps in or if Trump continues to shape U.S. trade policy single-handedly.