Supreme Court Ruling Offers Little Relief for GOP Divided on Trump’s Tariffs/ TezzBuzz/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ The Supreme Court struck down a major portion of President Donald Trump’s tariff regime, briefly easing pressure on Republicans. But Trump quickly announced a new 10% global tariff, renewing tensions within the GOP. With midterms approaching, Democrats aim to capitalize on Republican divisions over trade policy.
Supreme Court Tariff Ruling Deepens GOP Divide Quick Looks
- Court says tariff power belongs to Congress
- Republicans initially welcome decision
- Trump announces new 10% global tariff
- GOP remains split on trade policy
- Mitch McConnell criticizes sweeping trade wars
- Democrats push refund demands
- Younger Republicans back “America First” tariffs
- Midterm elections amplify pressure
Deep Look: Supreme Court Ruling Offers Little Relief for GOP Divided on Trump’s Tariffs
The Supreme Court of the United States offered congressional Republicans a brief respite Friday when it struck down a significant portion of President Donald Trump’s sweeping global tariffs. But the relief proved short-lived.
The court ruled that the authority to impose taxes, including tariffs, rests with Congress — not the executive branch. Some Republican lawmakers responded cautiously, issuing measured statements and suggesting they would work with Trump to chart a path forward.
By the afternoon, however, Trump made clear he would not rely on Congress. Instead, he announced a new 10% global tariff under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, a provision allowing temporary import taxes for up to 150 days. The statute has never before been used in this manner.
“I have the right to do tariffs, and I’ve always had the right to do tariffs,” Trump said at a news conference, dismissing the need for congressional approval.
A Persistent GOP Fault Line
Tariffs have been one of the few areas where the Republican-controlled Congress has publicly broken with Trump. At various points, both the House and Senate passed resolutions aimed at rebuking tariffs imposed on key trade partners such as Canada.
For many Republicans who built their careers in a party that traditionally championed free trade, Trump’s aggressive tariff strategy has posed an ideological challenge.
Sen. Mitch McConnell, the former longtime Senate Republican leader, reiterated his opposition, saying sweeping trade wars with U.S. allies increase housing costs and disrupt industries important to states like Kentucky.
Yet other Republicans, particularly a younger cohort aligned closely with Trump’s “America First” agenda, have embraced protectionist policies. They argue tariffs can revive U.S. manufacturing and reduce dependence on foreign supply chains.
Sen. Bernie Moreno criticized the Supreme Court ruling and urged lawmakers to codify the tariffs, saying they had made the country economically stronger.
Rep. Don Bacon, a Republican critic of the administration who is not seeking reelection, praised the court’s decision and called on Congress to defend its constitutional authority.
Bacon predicted additional Republican pushback may follow, particularly as lawmakers are forced to confront the economic and political consequences of Trump’s trade policies.
Democrats See Opportunity
Democrats are preparing to leverage the ongoing tariff debate as they seek to reclaim congressional majorities in the upcoming midterm elections.
Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer said Trump’s new tariffs would continue raising consumer costs, arguing they are no different in impact from the now-invalidated measures.
Sen. Elizabeth Warren called for refunds to consumers for the tariffs struck down by the court, contending that American families ultimately paid the price.
The debate feeds into a broader Democratic campaign message that Trump’s economic policies have failed to ease cost-of-living pressures and have instead contributed to higher prices.
According to analysis by the JPMorganChase Institutemidsize businesses have often responded to tariffs by raising prices, cutting jobs, or absorbing lower profits — outcomes that ripple through local economies.
Will Congress Act?
Despite the Supreme Court’s affirmation that tariff authority lies with Congress, it remains unclear whether lawmakers will assert that power.
Republican leaders have historically hesitated to directly confront Trump, even when expressing reservations about specific policies. Ahead of last year’s “Liberation Day” tariff rollout, GOP leaders declined to mount a direct legislative challenge.
The new 10% global tariff, imposed under Section 122could face legal scrutiny since the authority has rarely been tested in court. Still, Trump’s willingness to act unilaterally ensures that trade policy will remain a flashpoint in Washington.
As midterm elections approach, Republicans may find themselves repeatedly pressed to defend — or distance themselves from — Trump’s evolving tariff strategy. For a party divided between traditional free-trade conservatives and populist protectionists, the Supreme Court ruling has clarified constitutional boundaries but done little to resolve the political dilemma.
More on US News
Comments are closed.