President Donald Trump criticized several Republican lawmakers on Tuesday over their efforts to limit the president’s authority to impose tariffs, suggesting that such moves would hinder the United States’ ability to negotiate strong trade agreements.
Speaking at the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) dinner in Washington, D.C., Trump directed pointed remarks at what he referred to as “rebel” Republicans who are backing bipartisan legislation aimed at shifting tariff powers back to Congress.
In his speech, Trump expressed frustration with members of his own party who are supporting bills that would curtail the president’s ability to unilaterally impose tariffs. “And then I see some rebel Republican, some guy who wants to grandstand, say, ‘I think that Congress should take over negotiations,’” Trump said. “Let me tell you, you don’t negotiate like I negotiate.”
One of the legislative efforts being spearheaded in the House of Representatives is led by Rep. Don Bacon (R-Neb.), who is working on a bipartisan bill that would require greater congressional involvement in decisions related to tariffs. Earlier Tuesday, Bacon said he opposed the idea of what he described as “waging a trade war with the entire world,” and emphasized the need for a more balanced approach to trade policy.
In the Senate, additional efforts are underway to change how tariffs are implemented. A bipartisan group led by Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) and Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) is pushing a resolution aimed at repealing the global tariffs put in place by Trump during his previous administration. Separately, Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) have introduced a bill that would require the president to notify Congress within 48 hours of instituting new tariffs. Under their proposal, Congress would have 60 days to approve the tariffs; otherwise, the tariffs would expire.
During his remarks, Trump singled out these initiatives as potentially damaging to the country’s trade negotiations, particularly with China. “I just saw it today, a couple of your congressmen,” Trump said, mimicking a lawmaker’s voice: “‘Sir, I think we should get involved in the negotiation of the tariffs.’ Oh, that’s what I need, I need some guy telling me how to negotiate.”
Trump argued that such proposals would weaken the United States’ negotiating leverage and benefit foreign countries. “If Congress takes over, China would be the happiest people in the world,” Trump said. “They wouldn’t be paying 104%. I’d say they’d be paying no percent — we’d be paying them 104%.”
TRUMP: “These countries are calling us up, kissing my ass. Please, please sir, make a deal. I’ll do anything. And then I’ll see some rebel Republican want to grandstand and say Congress should take over negotiations. Congress takes over negotiating sell America fast.” pic.twitter.com/x5eHj7gmMu
— TheBlaze (@theblaze) April 9, 2025
He also cautioned that even public discussion about restricting the president’s tariff authority could undermine current and future trade deals. “Even the talk about it hurts your negotiation,” Trump said. “And then the fake news wants to build it up, and it has no chance anyway.”
Throughout the speech, Trump reiterated his position that tariffs are a vital tool for protecting American workers and industries from what he described as unfair foreign competition. He concluded by urging unity among Republicans on trade issues. “We have to remain united as I defend workers from unfair trade,” Trump said.
