Republican lawmakers are increasingly questioning former President Donald Trump’s broad tariff authority, with Nebraska Rep. Don Bacon suggesting Congress reclaim control over trade policy.
Bacon told CNN on Thursday that Congress “made a mistake” in previously granting the president temporary tariff powers, arguing that such economic decisions should be legislative matters.
“Tariffs should be a Congressional-initiated action,” Bacon said. “I think we should look back and maybe restore the power back to Congress.”
His comments come as tariffs on Canadian and Mexican imports are set to take effect next week, alongside a newly announced 25% duty on foreign-made vehicles. Some GOP lawmakers fear the policy could lead to sharp price increases on consumer goods, triggering voter backlash.
North Carolina Rep. Ralph Norman acknowledged the economic strain but expressed cautious optimism about Trump’s approach. He told CNN the auto tariffs would be “painful” for American consumers but said he would “leave that up to [Trump].”
Phill Swagel, head of the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office, also warned of short-term consequences. Speaking to CNBC, Swagel said the tariffs would “reduce the efficiency of the economy” and “boost the price level,” though he did not expect sustained inflation.
Despite concerns, some Republicans remain supportive of Trump’s trade strategy. Indiana Rep. Marlin Stutzman told NewsNation that while tariffs introduce uncertainty, they could strengthen U.S. negotiating leverage.
“There’s some uncertainty,” Stutzman said. “But my hope is that these other countries will realize that they need us as a partner… We knew it was going to be a little rocky.”
As trade tensions escalate, calls to rein in presidential tariff authority may gain traction in Congress, setting up a potential policy shift within the Republican Party.
