House Republicans are maneuvering to avoid taking a clear stance on President Donald Trump’s controversial tariffs, according to an editorial by the conservative Wall Street Journal published Wednesday. The tariffs, which have triggered economic uncertainty and market selloffs, were enacted under broad emergency powers granted by Congress. However, GOP leaders appear unwilling to challenge Trump’s authority or be forced into a recorded vote.
“The National Emergencies Act provides fast-track procedures for Congress to end a presidential emergency,” the editorial board wrote. “New York Democrat Gregory Meeks introduced a resolution to terminate Mr. Trump’s emergency on March 6 and he intended to force a floor vote this month. This would force Republicans to vote on the record for supporting Mr. Trump’s tariffs, which are a tax increase.
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However, Republicans inserted a provision in a rule governing debate on their government funding bill that would block consideration of Mr. Meeks’ resolution for the rest of the year.” By blocking the resolution, House Republicans have ensured that they will not be forced to publicly support or oppose the tariffs, shielding themselves from potential political fallout.
However, their actions have drawn criticism from both economic experts and political analysts who argue that avoiding the issue does not make it go away. Republicans have countered by pointing fingers at Democrats, arguing that they blocked a GOP-backed measure to overturn an emergency declaration President Joe Biden used to cancel student debt.
However, as the Wall Street Journal editorial noted, this does not amount to a defense of Trump’s tariff policy. “GOP House leaders are no doubt trying to protect Members in swing districts where Mr. Trump’s tariffs are unpopular,” the editorial continued. “An Emerson College poll this week reported that 53% of voters say Mr. Trump’s tariffs will hurt the economy, versus 37% who said they would help it.
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Hispanics by a margin of two-to-one said tariffs would hurt,” they added, citing polling data that suggests growing skepticism, even among Trump supporters. Despite their unpopularity, businesses have largely refrained from legally challenging the tariffs, fearing retaliation.
Meanwhile, Democratic state attorneys general have also avoided the issue, likely to preserve the possibility of using similar emergency powers for climate-related regulations in the future. At the end of the day, the editorial board warned, “While House Republicans can run from a vote, they can’t hide from voters in 2026 who may not find Mr. Trump’s tariffs beautiful.”
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