Republican Wants to Take Tariff Power Away From Donald Trump

A conservative congressman said Thursday that Congress made a "mistake" in giving President Donald Trump and his administration broad authority to enact tariffs.

Republican Representative Don Bacon of Nebraska made the comments to CNN's Wolf Blitzer when asked about the newest automobile tariffs announced by Trump on Wednesday.

Newsweek reached out to Bacon's office for comment.

Why It Matters

On Wednesday, Trump announced new 25 percent tariffs on foreign-made vehicles that will go into effect April 2, described by the second-term president as "Liberation Day."

While the administration claims it will bolster domestic manufacturing, the near-term concerns expressed by some allude to shortfalls in the supply chain industry—as well as higher costs overall for consumers looking to purchase vehicles.

The auto tariffs are in another in a line of tariffs that have gone into effect the past month, including 25 percent tariffs on all goods coming from Canada and Mexico. In retaliation, Canada implemented 25 percent tariffs on $20 billion ($30 billion CAD) in U.S. goods.

The trade war with China has continued during this Trump term as well. After Trump increased tariffs on China from 10 to 20 percent on March 4, China retaliated by imposing a 15 percent tariff, mainly on U.S. food and agricultural products, that went into effect March 10.

On March 12, the U.S. imposed 25 percent tariffs on all global imports of steel and aluminum.

Other tariffs are being promulgated within the administration, including those on products like copper, lumber, pharmaceuticals, and semiconductors.

What To Know

Blitzer asked Bacon about the new auto tariffs, mentioning how the price of vehicles made domestically by companies like Ford and Chevrolet will likely increase in response.

"Could Republicans in Congress be doing more to push the president to try to de-escalate his trade war?" Blitzer asked. "What leverage do you have?"

Bacon, referencing Article One of the Constitution, replied that tariffs should be initiated and acted upon by Congress.

"However, I think we made a mistake," Bacon said. "In the past we passed legislation that gave the president some temporary tariff authorities. I think we should look back and maybe restore the power back to Congress and take away the authorizations that we've allowed the president—not just President Trump but President [Joe] Biden and President [Barack] Obama before him.

"This power should reside in the House and the Senate. We have the power of the purse, so I think we should restore these authorities back to the House."

Bacon also discussed retaliatory tariffs from countries like Canada and China, as well as the European Union (EU). He said Trump "obviously likes tariffs" and that there is fairness in "reciprocal tariffs." But free trade is the larger goal, he added.

Earlier this month, the EU announced retaliatory tariffs against Trump's steel and aluminum tariffs on approximately $28 billion of U.S. exports. About $8 billion in tariffs on U.S. imports were planned to be rolled out on April 1, with a second batch implemented on April 13.

That plan was delayed days later and rescheduled for April 13, and it is said to impact items including blue jeans, bourbon, and Harley-Davidson motorcycles.

"It's the best for the consumer," Bacon said. "So, when you have free trade, you're giving the best products at the best price, [in] the most efficient manner possible. That's what free trade offers. ... Tariffs in the end, hurt consumers."

What People Are Saying

German Economy Minister Robert Habeck: "It must be clear that we will not give in to the U.S. We need to show strength and self-confidence."

United Auto Workers President Shawn Fain said: "We applaud the Trump administration for stepping up to end the free trade disaster that has devastated working-class communities for decades."

Republican Representative Lisa McClain from Michigan said: "Today's announcement will help boost American and Michigan-made automobiles."

What Happens Next

Future tariffs remain under consideration.