GOP Anxiety Over Trump’s Tariffs: A Battle Over Economic Power and Congressional Authority

By David LaGuerre

Donald Trump’s latest tariff policies have not only rattled global trade balances—they’ve also stirred unease within his own party. In a move that has rekindled debates about economic nationalism and the overreach of executive power, the sweeping tariffs now in effect have left many GOP lawmakers worrying about rising consumer prices, retaliatory trade wars, and, most critically, the erosion of Congressional authority over a realm that the Constitution clearly assigns to the legislature.

A Return to Protectionism

Trump’s recent tariff announcement has been characterized as nothing short of a paradigm shift in U.S. trade policy. With a universal 10% tariff imposed on imports from nearly every country, and additional “reciprocal tariffs” targeting 60 nations—including a compounded tariff on China and significant levies on European goods—Trump’s strategy is aimed at burdening U.S. trading partners to revive domestic manufacturing and shrink the trade deficit.

Yet, behind the rhetoric of “American economic independence” lies a policy that has immediate, palpable economic consequences. Economists are sounding alarms: higher costs on imported goods are expected to drive the Consumer Price Index upward by at least 2%, effectively passing on higher taxes to American consumers. This is not just an abstract economic forecast; as former Vice President Mike Pence reportedly called it “the largest peacetime tax hike in U.S. history,” the numbers suggest that families might be paying an extra $3,500 to $5,000 annually for everyday items.

GOP Concerns: When Tariffs Turn Political

Within the Republican Party—traditionally the torchbearers of free-market principles—Trump’s tariff policies have ignited a fierce internal debate. While the populist base rallies behind an “America First” agenda, many establishment Republicans and business-friendly lawmakers are increasingly critical. Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) summed it up bluntly: “I’m not a fan of raising taxes on millions of Americans.” His warning reflects a broader concern: tariffs that are meant to protect domestic industries may instead end up hurting the very consumers and businesses they claim to help.

These concerns are not purely economic. There is growing anxiety about the political implications of such executive action. Traditionally, the U.S. Constitution vests the power to impose tariffs in Congress through Article I, Section 8. The historical record is clear—tariffs were once not only the primary source of federal revenue but also a tool for regulating trade under strict legislative oversight. Yet, over recent decades—and with willingness to use trade provisions embedded in the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 and later the Trade Act of 1974—the executive branch has slowly assumed a greater role. Trump’s unilateral use of this power through national security justifications (for instance, with Section 232 for steel and aluminum tariffs) has only amplified concerns that executive overreach is eroding the long-established system of checks and balances.

Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) has been one of the vocal critics urging Congress to reclaim this authority. “Congress must have a say in decisions that affect the economy so profoundly,” he has stated. Such sentiments have even led to bipartisan proposals—the Trade Review Act of 2025, for example—which would require presidential tariff measures to receive Congressional approval within 60 days or else expire. This is not just about winning a policy debate; it’s about ensuring that trade policy remains firmly in the hands of duly elected representatives rather than being dictated solely by the executive branch.

Who Holds the Power Over Tariffs?

Under the U.S. Constitution, the power to lay and collect taxes, duties, imposts, and excises is expressly granted to Congress. This historical mandate was central to the early Republic, where tariffs played a critical role in financing government operations and nurturing domestic industries. Over time, however, as the world became more interconnected and trade policies grew more complex, Congress began delegating more of its power to the executive branch under laws such as the Reciprocal Trade Agreements Act of 1934.

Yet, while administrations—both Democratic and Republican—have utilized executive authority to streamline trade negotiations and respond rapidly to global developments, many in Congress see this as a dangerous precedent. They worry that, without legislative oversight, the effective use of tariffs could be driven less by sound economic strategy and more by partisan or populist impulses. The potential for retaliatory measures, coupled with consumer price hikes, might not only disrupt global trade but could also undermine confidence in the robustness of American democracy.

Tensions Within the GOP

The debate over tariffs has exposed a schism within the Republican Party. On one side, figures like Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) cheer on Trump’s tough stance, viewing the tariffs as a vital instrument to “break the globalist order” and rein in what they see as unfair trade practices.

On the other hand, moderate Republicans and pro-business conservatives are increasingly uneasy. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) has voiced concerns about the long-term economic harm, noting that tariffs act as hidden taxes on consumers and distort the market in ways that could jeopardize overall economic growth. Moreover, in districts where manufacturing plays a key role, there is worry among constituents that the short-term relief promised by tariffs might ultimately lead to job losses and higher production costs.

Republican strategist debates are now centering on whether Trump’s protectionist policies will help or hinder the party’s prospects in upcoming elections. With a Reuters/Ipsos poll indicating that 57% of Americans find Trump’s economic policies “too erratic,” the long-term political risks are becoming ever more salient.

Restoring Balance: A Path Forward

Addressing these multifaceted concerns requires a recalibration of power between the executive and legislative branches. Reasserting congressional authority over tariff policies is not only a constitutional imperative but also a pragmatic approach to safeguarding economic stability. Proposed legislative measures aim to ensure that every tariff imposed unilaterally by the president is subject to legislative scrutiny. Such reforms would:

• Mandate Congressional Notification and Approval: New laws could require that any new tariffs be communicated to Congress within 48 hours and then undergo a 60-day review period.
• Offer Flexibility to Roll Back Harmful Tariffs: Targeted provisions could allow lawmakers to rescind tariffs that are found to disproportionately harm certain industries or consumer groups.
• Strengthen Oversight Mechanisms: Establishing permanent committees dedicated to trade policy oversight would provide continuous scrutiny over executive actions.

Bipartisan collaboration will be crucial for any successful reform. Encouraging dialogues between traditional free-market advocates and those who support protectionist measures could yield a trade policy framework that both protects domestic interests and maintains robust international relationships.

Trump’s aggressive tariff policies have brought into sharp focus the tension between populist economic nationalism and constitutional governance. While meant to bolster American industry and reduce trade deficits, these tariffs have generated significant economic risks and highlighted the dangerous trend of bypassing the legislative branch. For many within the GOP, the anxiety over these measures is as much about fiscal responsibility as it is about preserving the system of checks and balances fundamental to American democracy.

As debates continue in Washington, one thing is clear: if the United States is to navigate the complexities of global trade in the 21st century, it must do so with a clear division of powers—a balance that prevents any single branch from wielding unchecked authority over a policy that affects every American.

The challenge for Congress now is to reclaim its constitutional prerogative over trade policy, ensuring that trade decisions are made by elected representatives, grounded in sound economic policy rather than driven by unilateral executive action. This is not only a matter of good governance but also essential for maintaining the trust and confidence of the American people in their government.