Republican lawmakers are urging former President Donald Trump to reconsider his sweeping tariff strategy. Although most GOP leaders still support him publicly, many are pushing for clearer trade plans and warning of political risks if the economy slows down. Concerns were raised in a Senate hearing this week, where Republicans asked for more details on Trump’s trade moves and urged negotiations with other countries.
GOP Sticks with Trump, But Worries Grow
While Republicans in Congress continue to back Trump’s policies, many are growing uneasy about the impact of tariffs on the economy. They are especially concerned about voters in swing states who could suffer if prices rise or jobs are lost.
At a Senate Finance Committee hearing this week, GOP lawmakers questioned Trump’s trade representative, Jamieson Greer, about the long-term plan. But they left the hearing with more questions than answers.
“I don’t quite understand the strategy, and I’m not sure anybody else does,” said Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) in an interview with The Washington Post.
Senators Voice Concerns Over Economic Fallout
Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), who faces re-election next year, was direct during the hearing. He said he was “skeptical” of the tariff plan and worried about how working-class Americans will be affected.
Tillis asked Greer, “Whose throat do I get to choke if this proves to be wrong?” Later, Tillis said his comment was a joke and that he still supports the administration’s efforts.
Other senators joined the chorus of concern. Sen. James Lankford (R-Okla.) spoke about an Oklahoma business hurt by tariffs on Vietnam. Sen. Steve Daines (R-Mont.) warned, “A trade war will mean higher prices for the American consumer,” adding that he fears inflation.
Some Push Back With Legislation
One of the strongest moves came from Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), who introduced a bill that would require Congress to approve tariffs within 60 days. A similar bill was filed in the House by Rep. Don Bacon (R-Neb.) and Rep. Jeff Hurd (R-Colo.). These efforts show that even loyal Republicans are concerned about losing their authority over trade policy.
However, the White House said Trump would veto the bill. Most GOP lawmakers admit that they likely don’t have the votes to override that.
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) said Congress is open to solutions but emphasized the importance of keeping Trump involved in decision-making. Rep. Richard Hudson (R-N.C.), who chairs the GOP’s House campaign arm, dismissed the bill, saying, “That’s not going to happen.”
Mixed Signals from Trump’s Team
While Trump’s representatives say they are open to negotiations, they refuse to offer a timeline or suggest any exemptions from the tariffs. Greer explained that the trade deficit “has been over 30 years in the making,” and fixing it “will not be resolved overnight.”
This lack of clarity is making both lawmakers and the stock market uneasy. Still, even small signs of potential negotiations have led to slight boosts in market confidence.
Rep. Kevin Hern (R-Okla.) said that “we’re seeing all these countries come forward, and that’s a good sign.” But he also warned lawmakers not to make decisions based on short-term market reactions.
Calls for Patience from GOP Leaders
House Speaker Mike Johnson urged lawmakers and the public to be patient. He reminded them that Trump campaigned on trade reform and that the new tariffs had only been in place for a short time.
“Let’s hold tight and have patience,” Johnson said. “The president is negotiating with 60 different countries on better trade agreements.”
Many GOP members are following that message. Rep. Hudson said he’s telling Republicans to “trust the president” and focus on the message of unfair trade practices by foreign countries.
Political Stakes Ahead of 2026 Elections
Lawmakers like Sen. Tillis are clearly thinking ahead to the 2026 elections. Voters who once supported Trump may reconsider if tariffs lead to job losses or higher prices at the store.
Some Republicans say they are getting mixed feedback from their districts. Rep. Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) said, “Some of my constituents are concerned by the tariffs, but there are also a big group of people who want to give the president a little deference and some time to execute this plan.”
What’s Next for Trump’s Trade Policy?
As the Senate works to pass an amended budget resolution, concerns about economic disruption are growing. Lawmakers are looking for reassurance from the White House that the strategy is temporary and aimed at long-term gains.
Speaker Johnson said Trump and his team are talking to lawmakers and “communicating with us so that we have the appropriate answers for our constituents.”
Still, without a clear plan or timeline, Republicans are left walking a tightrope — supporting Trump’s tough trade stance while quietly hoping for talks that might ease the pressure on American workers and businesses.
