WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump’s chief trade representative faced intense questioning from senators on Tuesday amid concerns over the president’s extensive global tariff measures, a significant market downturn, and the increased risk of economic downturn due to a disrupted global trade system.
Republican Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina expressed concern that the administration appears to have initiated a “trade war on all fronts.” He sought clarity on who within the Trump administration would be accountable if the tariffs prove detrimental, leading to higher costs for Americans and a slowdown in economic growth. “I wish you well,” he remarked to U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, adding, “But I am skeptical.”
Greer faced the Senate Finance Committee following a volatile day in global markets and criticism from business leaders over the president’s aggressive strategy of raising tariffs on nearly every country worldwide. Greer reported that Trump’s tariff policies are beginning to yield results, with around 50 countries agreeing to negotiations to lower their trade barriers. As an example, he cited Vietnam’s reduction of tariffs on products like apples, almonds, and cherries. Though these import taxes aim to decrease the vast U.S. trade deficits, Greer acknowledged the adjustments could pose challenges.
Lawmakers, including several Republicans, are increasingly concerned about Trump’s approach to trade, particularly after the stock market plummeted following his announcement of sweeping tariffs. However, hopes that negotiations could persuade the president to reconsider or suspend these tariffs helped the market rebound on Tuesday. The most significant tariffs are scheduled to take effect by midnight Wednesday.
Numerous senators pressed Greer for clarity on the administration’s goals. President Trump has variously stated that the tariffs aim to generate Treasury revenue, repatriate manufacturing jobs, protect domestic industries, and secure concessions from other nations.
“What is the plan?” inquired Senator Ron Wyden of Oregon, the leading Democrat on the finance committee. He noted inconsistency from the White House regarding the tariffs’ purpose, saying, “In the last week, the White House has been all over the map when it comes to these tariffs. There is no clear message about how they were determined, what they’re supposed to accomplish, how long they will be in place, whether they’re a negotiating tool or a move to try and cut the United States off from global trade and usher in a new era of 1870s-style protectionism.”
Senator Chuck Grassley, a Republican from Iowa, stated his opposition to tariffs if their sole purpose is to generate federal revenue without opening up foreign markets for U.S. exports.
The Constitution grants Congress the authority to set taxes, including tariffs. However, over time, lawmakers have delegated much of this power to the executive branch. President Trump has been particularly assertive in utilizing his presidential powers to advance his trade objectives, citing emergency authority to impose sizable tariffs last Wednesday. These powers were previously used to target Chinese, Canadian, and Mexican imports.
Bypassing Congress, President Trump has also imposed taxes on steel, aluminum, and automobile imports, citing national security concerns for the U.S. Now, even some Republican lawmakers are advocating for Congress to reclaim its trade authority.
“Donald Trump’s aimless, chaotic tariff spree has proven beyond a doubt that Congress has given far too much of its constitutional power over international trade to the executive branch,” Wyden declared. “It is time to take that power back.”
Last week, Grassley and Democratic Senator Maria Cantwell of Washington proposed legislation that would require the president to justify new tariffs to Congress. Lawmakers would then have 60 days to approve the tariffs, or they would automatically expire.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune indicated that he is unlikely to advance a vote on a bipartisan bill aimed at exerting congressional control over Trump’s tariffs, stating, “I don’t think that has a future,” in reference to the Grassley-Cantwell bill.