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Schumer Criticizes Trump’s Tariff Policies and Calls for Congressional Action
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) has expressed strong objections to President Donald Trump’s tariff initiatives, stating that the president is exceeding reasonable bounds with his trade policies. During an interview with CNN, which aired shortly before a new round of significant reciprocal tariffs was set to take effect, Schumer emphasized the need for congressional intervention to address the growing instability these policies may create, both domestically and globally.
“Congress has always possessed the authority to regulate tariffs, and historical debates on such matters have been quite common,” Schumer noted. “However, given Trump’s current overreach, Congress is fully empowered to reclaim that authority.”
Schumer affirmed, “That is precisely our intention.” His statements coincide with a recent bipartisan movement within the Senate, wherein seven Republican senators have co-sponsored legislation that would mandate congressional approval for Trump’s proposed steep tariffs on international trading partners.
The proposed legislation aims to restrict the president’s ability to impose extensive reciprocal tariffs on numerous countries unilaterally. Nonetheless, Trump has already indicated his willingness to veto this legislative effort.
During the discussion, host Brianna Keilar challenged Schumer on why, despite having led Senate Democrats during Trump’s initial term—which was marked by significant tariff impositions—they had not advanced similar legislative measures to curtail his actions then. Schumer responded by highlighting the successes achieved in mitigating some of Trump’s tariff-related proposals, adding, “However, nothing compares to this latest initiative, which impacts over 180 countries.” He specifically referenced Trump’s so-called “Liberation Day” tariffs as an example of the current situation’s unprecedented nature.
Schumer further expressed hope that his Republican colleagues would recognize the detrimental effects of these tariffs and rally to support legislative measures rather than cower in fear of political repercussions from Trump. He reiterated the importance of protecting American citizens who may feel the adverse effects of the administration’s trade policies.
To date, the bipartisan support for the Trade Review Act of 2025 includes influential Republican figures such as Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Todd Young (R-Ind.), and Susan Collins (R-Maine).
Source
thehill.com