WASHINGTON — A growing sense of anxiety and dissent is rippling through Senate Republicans following President Donald Trump’s announcement of sweeping 10% tariffs on nearly all U.S. imports — a move that has triggered market unease and sparked pushback from both parties.
The bold tariff announcement, made from the Rose Garden, has some GOP lawmakers on edge. Sen. Jerry Moran (R-KS), visibly frustrated, told a congressional reporter, “I can’t stand talking to more than one person,” before cautiously responding: “I would have expected more targeted tariffs to meet the needs of where countries are taking advantage of us, and perhaps a more modest approach in the amounts.”
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This new round of tariffs has ignited rare public dissent among Senate Republicans, signaling cracks in the party’s long-standing silence on Trump’s aggressive trade policies. While only four Republicans opposed Trump’s tariffs on Canada earlier this week, the debate is intensifying.
On Thursday, Senators Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and Maria Cantwell (D-WA) introduced the Trade Review Act of 2025, a bipartisan measure aimed at reclaiming some of the trade powers currently held by the executive branch and returning them to Congress.
“I think there’s something to be said for having congressional review,” Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC) told Raw Story. “Shame on, on the congresses that did that,” he added, referring to decades of power handed over to the executive by both parties.
Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) echoed the sentiment, calling it “a very long-standing issue,” while acknowledging that the delegation of trade power wasn’t unique to the Trump administration.
“Tariffs are a tax, they should never be instituted by one person, they should be instituted by Congress,” Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) said, taking a hardline stance and urging House Republicans to act. Paul also signaled his intent to push a discharge petition if Speaker Mike Johnson refuses to allow a vote on Sen. Tim Kaine’s (D-VA) measure to end tariffs on Canada.
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Democrats, meanwhile, joined in the criticism. “Families are going to get pounded,” Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR) said. “This is going to contribute to inflation.”
Still, not all Republicans are backing away. “I feel great. I’m excited,” said Sen. Rick Scott (R-FL), defending the tariffs and blaming global trade partners. “Reduce your stupid trade barriers.” Whether the opposition grows remains to be seen — but for the first time in a while, Trump’s economic moves are meeting real resistance on Capitol Hill.
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