Senate Push to Undermine Trump's Tariff Power

President Trump’s bold “Liberation Day” tariffs a clear and decisive move to protect American industries are already under fire from establishment politicians in both parties who would rather surrender to globalism than fight for American jobs.

Just 24 hours after Trump introduced tariffs of 10% to 50% on a range of imports from nations that have long exploited our lopsided trade system, Senators Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and Maria Cantwell (D-WA) unveiled a bill aimed at handcuffing the president’s ability to take such decisive action in the future. The “Trade Review Act of 2025” would force the president to get congressional approval within 60 days for tariffs to remain in effect a bureaucratic hurdle designed to weaken executive strength in trade negotiations.

Let’s be clear these aren’t just any tariffs. Trump’s tariffs are a long-overdue response to decades of predatory trade practices by countries that have gutted American manufacturing while enjoying virtually unrestricted access to our markets. The president’s move signals a return to America-first economics, and the globalist wing of the Senate can’t stand it.

Here’s what the proposed legislation would do:

• Require the president to notify Congress within 48 hours of any tariff decision.

• Demand impact analyses on American businesses and consumers as if endless trade deficits don’t already tell the story.

• Give Congress veto power over presidential tariffs unless specifically related to anti-dumping or subsidy violations.

• Let Congress terminate any tariffs at any time, neutering executive leverage in global trade talks.

Grassley framed the bill as a matter of reasserting congressional authority over trade. But let’s not kid ourselves this is about undercutting Trump. His economic nationalism and willingness to confront unfair trade head-on terrifies the DC establishment, which has grown far too comfortable with exporting American wealth in exchange for cheap consumer goods.

Senator Cantwell, parroting familiar Democrat talking points, warned of "devastating" trade wars and claimed tariffs hurt consumers and businesses. Yet she and her party had no issue with Biden’s inflationary spending, which drove prices up nearly 17% since he took office. Meanwhile, American manufacturing output fell nearly 2% in 2023, while China continued to subsidize its industries and flood our markets. So who exactly is hurting American workers?

Jake Sherman of Punchbowl News said the bill has little chance of becoming law and he's likely right. It’s hard to see House Speaker Mike Johnson bringing it to a vote, and if it somehow reached Trump’s desk, a veto is virtually guaranteed. The idea that Republicans would override that veto? Laughable. The America First movement is the heart of the GOP now, and this bill goes against everything it stands for.

This isn’t about “transparency” or “rules-based” trade it’s about Democrats and their GOP enablers clinging to a system that benefits foreign economies at the expense of our own. Trump is doing what no other modern president has had the spine to do: stand up for American industry and force our so-called allies to play fair. Congress should be backing him, not trying to sabotage him.

If we want a thriving, independent American economy, then it's time to stop letting career politicians meddle with the tools that actually work.

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