President Trump’s continuous back-and-forth on tariffs is taking a toll on Republican lawmakers who admit the constant announcements are difficult to follow even as they try to assuage concerns from constituents.
Trump’s six weeks in the White House have been a roller coaster on a number of fronts. But tariffs have topped that list as Trump has threatened to impose them on numerous U.S. trade partners, delayed their implementation, gone through with enacting them, hinted at compromises and carved out exceptions.
While Senate Republicans are willing to give him plenty of leeway — despite their overall lack of enthusiasm for tariffs generally — they acknowledge the will-they or won’t-they nature of Trump’s threats and constant uncertainty is giving them whiplash, especially in recent days.
“The one thing about it is it provides us with the opportunity to say, ‘Just hold your breath. It’s kind of like the weather in South Dakota. It’ll change by tomorrow. We’re just waiting,’” said Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), noting that the weather in his home state can be frustrating as well.
“It is [frustrating], but we’re used to it,” Rounds said with a laugh. “I’m taking a deep breath before I make comments because I may be commenting on something that is no longer a valid point within hours.”
This week in particular has been a rollercoaster as Trump carried out plans to slap tariffs on Canada, Mexico and China as part of his push to renegotiate what he views as lackluster trade deals.
After delaying early February plans to implement 25 percent tariffs on Canada and Mexico, two of the U.S.’s top trade partners and closest allies, he put those into effect on Tuesday.
What ensued was a war of words with Canada and questions over whether the tariffs would stick as the U.S.’s northern neighbor threatened to cut off electricity to multiple states and impose a 25 percent surcharge on energy exports.
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick later on Tuesday said that a compromise might be struck with the two allies a day later. That came to fruition as they were given a month reprieve on automobiles that comply with the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).
But those expire when Trump has pledged to impose reciprocal tariffs against nations that place duties on American goods.
In addition, Chinese goods were already hit with a 10 percent tariff in early February, with another 10 percent tacked on in the latest push. China responded that it is ready to fight “any type of war” with the U.S.
This has given Republicans a headache trying to keep up with them on an hour-by-hour or even a minute-to-minute basis, especially as many of the ruby red states members hail from could be disproportionately affected by the tariffs.
“It’s a lot to follow,” Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) conceded, saying that there hasn’t been a major effect yet on his state.
“It’s a wait and see. They’re supportive of the president. But at this point it’s very much in flux,” Hawley said of his state, which backed Trump by 18 percentage points over Vice President Harris in November.
The Missouri Republican added that he believes his constituents, including farmers, are prepared to give Trump a fair amount of rope on this issue. He pointed to Trump’s move to give farmers significant aid in his first term amid the trade war with China to help them through what was a difficult time.
The president, during his address to Congress on Tuesday, asked farmers for some space despite what could be some turbulence in the near-term.
“Bear with me again,” he said in his speech. “I love the farmer.”
Trump has also promised that more tariffs – which he has often dubbed the “most beautiful word” — are likely coming down the pike in the coming weeks and months. He is set to impose a 25 percent tariff on all foreign steel and aluminum starting March 12.
Next month could also bring a new tariff on agricultural goods.
A number of Republicans have indicated this is not something they are pining for.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) told CNN on Tuesday ahead of the joint session of Congress that he sees the tariff issue “through a different lens.”
Wall Street also made its feelings known on the issue. A day after the S&P 500 saw all of its post-elections gains evaporate, it rebounded over hopes that more tariff concessions could be in the offing
However, Thune and his colleagues have made it known they are willing to give Trump space to get “outcomes” — even if it gives them keep their heads on a swivel.
“It’s not like he’s inconsistent,” said Sen. Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.). “It’s just that it’s such a fast pace.”
“I always say … I never cease to be amazed,” he said. “On the other hand, I don’t know why any of us would be because it’s the new normal and we’ve been through it before.”
