As President Trump’s tariffs create waves in the global economy, some Republicans in Congress are starting to push back. They’re discussing ways to limit the president’s power to impose tariffs, a move that is quite unusual for a party leader’s supporters.
While many Republican leaders are taking a cautious approach, Speaker Mike Johnson emphasized the importance of allowing Trump the freedom to act on economic issues. He believes the president should be able to pursue his trade agenda to boost the economy. Johnson stated that Congress would eventually get involved, but he wants to work alongside the administration.
However, not everyone is willing to wait. Senator Chuck Grassley from Iowa has introduced a bipartisan bill called the Trade Review Act of 2025. This legislation would require the president to inform Congress about any new tariffs within 48 hours and provide a justification for them. Congress would then have 60 days to review these tariffs.
Grassley expressed concern that Congress has given too much power over trade to the executive branch over the years. He believes it’s time to reclaim some of that authority. Representative Don Bacon from Nebraska is also planning to introduce a similar bill in the House.
Support for this initiative is coming from various Republican lawmakers, including California’s David Valadao. Valadao, who represents a district with significant agricultural interests, stated that he wants to ensure Congress has a say in tariff decisions. He noted that he has heard mixed opinions from constituents, with some wanting higher tariffs to protect local industries.
As the stock market continues to decline and fears of a recession grow, the urgency for action is increasing. Some lawmakers, like Senator Deb Fischer from Nebraska, acknowledge the need for Congress to have input on tariffs, even if they want to give the president time to see how his policies play out.
On the other hand, some representatives are more skeptical of tariffs. California’s Tom McClintock has long argued against them, stating that they ultimately harm the economy by raising prices and reducing availability for consumers.
Despite the internal discussions, Trump remains firm on his tariff policies. He recently threatened to impose additional tariffs on China, which has retaliated with its own tariffs against the U.S. The White House has indicated that Trump would veto any bill that seeks to restrict his tariff powers.
The constitutional debate surrounding these tariffs is also heating up. Critics argue that Trump’s use of emergency powers to impose tariffs may not be legal. A legal group has already filed a complaint claiming that the tariffs violate constitutional provisions that grant Congress control over trade and taxation.
As Congress considers its next steps, the tension between the executive and legislative branches over trade policy is becoming more pronounced. With the economy at stake, lawmakers are weighing the need for action against the backdrop of a turbulent market and differing opinions on the effectiveness of tariffs.