Marking one year since its declaration by President Donald Trump, ‘Liberation Day’ on April 2 commemorates the imposition of extensive tariffs on various nations. While initially supported by House Republicans, the enthusiasm seems to have waned, with many now avoiding discussion on the topic.
American Journal News sought opinions from 27 GOP congresspeople, who are currently in precarious positions for re-election, regarding their stance on Trump’s tariff policy. At the time of publishing, none had responded to the inquiries.
The hesitation to address the issue is understandable as Republicans had originally touted the tariffs as a cost-reduction measure. However, an analysis by the Tax Foundation reveals that these tariffs resulted in a 7% spike in retail prices over the past year, affecting key consumer goods like automobiles, clothing, toys, and furniture.
These tariffs have not only triggered legal battles but also faced scrutiny from the U.S. Supreme Court. In a ruling from February, the Court determined that the legal grounds used by Trump to enforce the tariffs were illegal, although it allowed for potential reinstatement through alternative methods.
Trump’s fluctuating tariff policies, characterized by both the removal of some and the imposition of new ones, have led to a convoluted system that businesses and consumers find challenging to navigate.
“An international trade policy based on bullying and BS isn’t helping anyone,” stated Gabe Vasquez, a Democrat campaigning for Congress in New Mexico’s 2nd District. “We can’t afford an ego-driven strategy with no endgame; it drives up costs and hurts national security.” Source
The outreach included Republican representatives from Arizona, such as Eli Crane, Juan Ciscomani, and David Schweikert, who is pursuing a gubernatorial bid, along with Rep. Gabe Evans from Colorado.
Other lawmakers from swing states, including Michigan Reps. Bill Huizenga and Tom Barrett; Pennsylvania Reps. Ryan Mackenzie, Rob Bresnahan, and Scott Perry; and Wisconsin Reps. Bryan Steil and Derrick Van Orden, also did not provide comments.
Mackenzie has shown a willingness to consider tariff reductions but opposed a bipartisan resolution to remove tariffs on Canada. Meanwhile, Huizenga, Barrett, Perry, and Steil had all endorsed the Liberation Day tariffs at their inception.
“Is there going to be some adjustments? Absolutely,” Huizenga remarked in April 2025. “Is it going to be easy? Not necessarily. Is it the right thing to do? Absolutely it is.”
Bresnahan has faced criticism over several stock trades coinciding with Trump’s tariff announcements, despite pledging during his 2024 campaign to refrain from personal stock trading if elected.
Economists argue that the tariffs have compounded the affordability crisis, exacerbated by inflation and corporate practices. The situation has deteriorated following the U.S. invasion of Iran, which pushed gas prices above $4 a gallon for the first time in three years.
“This anniversary is a reminder to the American people who’s responsible for making their lives harder,” Democratic Rep. Suzan DelBene told Semafor. Source
Additional lawmakers who did not comment include California Reps. David Valadao, Young Kim, and Ken Calvert; Florida Reps. Anna Paulina Luna and Maria Elvira Salazar; Iowa Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks; Kentucky Rep. Andy Barr; Missouri Rep. Ann Wagner; New Jersey Rep. Tom Kean Jr.; New York Rep. Mike Lawler; Ohio Reps. Max Miller and Mike Carey; Tennessee Rep. Andy Ogles; Texas Rep. Monica De La Cruz; and Virginia Reps. Rob Wittman and Jen Kiggans.
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