Republican lawmakers are showing increasing signs of unease with President Trump’s sweeping tariff agenda, as tensions grow over the economic consequences of his trade policies. The unrest has prompted some in the GOP to take the unusual step of trying to limit the president’s authority a move that underscores how sharply concerns have escalated in recent days.
Seven Republican senators have now backed a bipartisan bill spearheaded by Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa and Sen. Maria Cantwell of Washington. The legislation would require the president to notify Congress within 48 hours of imposing new tariffs, trigger an automatic expiration after 60 days unless Congress approves the measures, and provide lawmakers with the power to rescind tariffs even before that period ends.
What began as a measured legislative response has quickly become a proxy battle over Trump’s aggressive trade strategy. As more senators sign on to the bill, the White House has moved swiftly to oppose it, threatening a veto within hours of lawmakers returning to Capitol Hill.
Despite the veto threat, anxiety remains high among congressional Republicans, particularly as the economy stumbles under the weight of market volatility. Wall Street logged its third consecutive day of losses to start the week, amplifying fears that the financial fallout from the tariffs could deepen.
Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky, who has not formally joined the bill but has emerged as one of the most vocal GOP critics of Trump’s tariff policy, said the stakes are too high for Republicans to remain silent. “It’s very hard to overturn a veto,” Paul acknowledged, “but that doesn’t mean the battle isn’t worth having. Win or lose, it’s worth the debate.”
The pushback reflects growing discomfort within the party, especially among lawmakers from states heavily reliant on trade, manufacturing, and agriculture. Many are now calling for greater transparency from the administration, urging briefings on how tariffs are being implemented and what long-term impacts are expected.
While Trump insists that the tariffs will ultimately boost American prosperity, Republicans on the Hill are increasingly worried that the immediate pain being felt by consumers and businesses will not be easily forgotten especially with elections looming and the economy showing signs of strain.