Behind Closed Doors: GOP Lawmakers Quietly Worry While Trump Goes All-In on Global Tariffs
In Washington, there’s a storm brewing beneath the surface—one that many Republican lawmakers are watching nervously, even if they won’t say it out loud. President Donald Trump’s sweeping global tariffs have sent shockwaves through the stock market, shaken up U.S. allies, and sparked deep concerns within the GOP. But despite the 10% market drop and warnings from Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, top Republican leaders like Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader John Thune aren’t pushing back. At least not yet.
Instead, they’re biting their tongues, crossing their fingers, and hoping Trump’s trade war somehow yields a win.
🎯 Political Chess, Not Economic Strategy
It’s not that they agree with Trump’s tariffs. In fact, both Johnson and Thune have long favored free trade and traditionally supported policies that open markets instead of closing them off. But they’re also realists. Breaking ranks with Trump, especially heading into a high-stakes legislative season, isn’t just risky—it could be political suicide.
“If Republican members start drifting away from supporting President Trump, everybody gets weaker,” said Senator Kevin Cramer of North Dakota. “It would create a problem in the relationship.” Cramer attended a lunch recently where GOP senators aired out their “hopes, dreams, and nightmares” about Trump’s trade strategy. The vibe? Cautious. Nervous. Even a little scared.
🗣️ Senators Quietly Grumble While Trump Ramps Up
Thune, a longtime skeptic of tariffs, has heard firsthand how the trade crackdown is hitting his home state of South Dakota. Farmers and manufacturers there aren’t thrilled. Still, he’s standing alongside Johnson in publicly backing the administration—for now.
Even as the financial markets took a hit, Thune tried to stay optimistic. “We’re all watching carefully, and obviously [Trump] has a plan,” he told reporters. “Hopefully it yields some positive results.” Hope is the keyword here—because actual results remain a question mark.
On Tuesday, Thune went as far as defending Trump’s Canada tariffs, even though they’ve caused ripples in relations with America’s closest ally. He cited drug trafficking concerns as justification, echoing Trump’s own rationale. But the defense didn’t convince everyone. Four Republicans, including Mitch McConnell (Thune’s predecessor), voted against Trump’s move, showing cracks in the party’s unity.
💥 Backlash Brews, But No Clear Rebellion
Even though the rumblings are growing louder, there’s no outright GOP rebellion just yet. Some Republicans, like Senator Ted Cruz, have openly criticized the tariffs, while others like Senator Rand Paul have described a growing unease among the rank-and-file.
“People are skittish. They’re all worried about it,” Paul said. “But they are putting on a stiff upper lip to act as though nothing is happening and hoping it goes away.”
A handful of Republicans have even teamed up with Democrats to introduce legislation that would require Congress to vote on any new tariffs. It’s a bold move that shows just how uncomfortable some in the party are becoming. Still, many are keeping their powder dry, worried that going against Trump could invite a primary challenge—or worse, a cold shoulder from the White House when their states need exemptions or relief for impacted industries.
🔥 Speaker Johnson’s Balancing Act
Meanwhile, Speaker Mike Johnson has his own pile of problems. His chamber is gridlocked thanks to a heated fight over proxy voting for new parents—a rule change that’s proving controversial within the party. Johnson badly needs Trump’s influence to help corral the House GOP and move legislation forward, particularly as he races to finalize a budget plan next week.
According to insiders, Johnson and GOP leaders want to bring a revamped Senate budget resolution to the House floor in the coming days. But getting there means convincing conservative fiscal hawks to get onboard, and only Trump has the political capital to do that.
So when the tariff news dropped, Johnson wasn’t exactly jumping into the fire. “It may be rocky in the beginning, but I think this will make sense for Americans,” he said optimistically. He posted one supportive message to social media on Wednesday when the tariffs were announced—but since then? Radio silence.
💸 Tariffs as a Funding Lifeline?
Here’s another reason Johnson may be backing the tariffs, at least publicly: the revenue. Trump claims these new levies will bring in big money—and Republicans are eyeing that cash as a potential offset for a massive domestic policy package that includes over $5 trillion in tax cuts. While the revenue won’t technically be included in the budget scoring, it’s a talking point that could help win over nervous deficit hawks.
And Johnson’s not alone in playing the long game. Many GOP leaders are looking at the bigger picture: if they can keep Trump happy, keep their base energized, and keep the legislative machine moving, maybe the short-term pain is worth it.
🌍 Retaliation? It’s Already Happening
But not everyone is buying the idea that this trade war will be a net positive. Johnson predicted that countries would “bring their tariffs down” because they “need us to be active trading partners.” Reality? Not so fast.
While a few nations showed willingness to negotiate, the big players—Canada, China, and the European Union—have already threatened retaliation. That could mean higher prices for American consumers, more economic volatility, and deeper political divisions.
Still, GOP leaders are hoping it doesn’t come to that. Or at least, not until after they’ve passed their agenda.
🧩 Thune’s Big Moment Overshadowed
Ironically, as all eyes were glued to the fallout from Trump’s tariffs, Thune was on the verge of a major legislative win. After weeks of internal negotiations, he was finally ready to push a budget blueprint through the Senate—something Trump had been eagerly backing.
But the focus shifted fast. Instead of celebrating progress, Thune found himself fending off anxiety from his colleagues and fielding questions about economic blowback. It’s a tough spot to be in—trying to advance a domestic agenda while watching the stock market tumble.
🤐 Silence Isn’t Support, But It’s Strategic
At the end of the day, the GOP’s posture seems clear: silence isn’t necessarily support—it’s strategy. The cost of speaking out is high. Trump still commands enormous influence over the party, and most lawmakers would rather play the long game than risk their political futures.
So for now, the uneasy alliance holds. Lawmakers may grumble in private, share worries over lunch, and whisper about alternatives—but in public, they’re holding the line.
Whether that loyalty pays off or backfires remains to be seen.
Login