Congress backs off tariff showdown as Trump maintains trade authority

Efforts by Congress to rein in President Donald Trump’s aggressive use of tariffs appear increasingly unlikely to succeed, as resistance to legislative intervention grows within both chambers.

Despite mounting concern from lawmakers over the economic consequences of sweeping new tariffs, particularly on key trading partners like China, the political will to directly challenge the president’s trade authority seems to be waning

A bipartisan group of senators had introduced legislation that would require congressional approval for any new tariffs imposed on national security grounds. The bill was designed to curb the executive branch’s unilateral use of Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act, which has been a key legal tool for the administration’s recent trade actions. The proposal initially gained traction among lawmakers concerned about the long-term impact of tariffs on American businesses and consumers, especially in agricultural and manufacturing states.

However, momentum behind the effort has slowed considerably. Key Senate leaders have expressed skepticism about the bill's viability, noting both logistical and political challenges. President Trump has made it clear that he would veto any such legislation, and there is little indication that Congress could muster the two-thirds majority needed to override that veto.

Additionally, some Republican lawmakers who were initially critical of the tariffs have shifted toward a more cautious stance, wary of alienating the party base ahead of the election cycle. Others have expressed concern that reining in presidential trade powers during a tense period of global negotiations could weaken the U.S. bargaining position.

For now, it appears the White House will continue to operate with broad authority over trade policy. While some in Congress continue to voice unease, the lack of unified opposition or a clear legislative path forward means that any meaningful checks on the president’s tariff strategy remain out of reach. As a result, businesses and global markets will likely have to continue navigating a trade landscape shaped largely by executive action.