Republican Lawmakers Sympathize with Local Tariff Concerns but Remain Cautious of Trump

Growing Backlash from Businesses in Trade-Sensitive Regions Like Utah
Lawmakers Reverse Positions Before Vote...
Remain Silent Under White House Pressure

Republican lawmakers are caught in a difficult position between local public opinion and the White House over the tariff policies led by U.S. President Donald Trump.

According to a report by The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) on the 23rd (local time), American companies that have suffered losses due to reciprocal tariffs are voicing opposition to Congress. However, while many Republican lawmakers sympathize with the issue, they have not been able to respond proactively.

A prominent example is the delegation of business leaders from Utah who visited Washington, D.C. at the end of April. The Utah delegation, representing industries sensitive to trade such as agriculture, forestry, and mining, met with Senator John Curtis (Republican, Utah) to request relief from the impact of tariffs. Senator Curtis promised to support a bipartisan resolution to end emergency powers.

However, in the vote held on April 30, he ultimately voted against the resolution, which was rejected in a 49-49 tie. It is known that pressure from the Republican leadership, as well as a meeting with U.S. Trade Representative Jamison Greer just before the vote, influenced Senator Curtis's change of stance.

Other lawmakers are facing similar situations. Representative Blake Moore (Republican, Utah) once considered introducing an anti-tariff bill, but later changed his position, saying, "I am pleased with the administration's progress in negotiations," and shifted to a cooperative stance. Representative Lisa McClain (Republican, Michigan) also conveyed industry complaints during her district tour, but the tariff issue remains unresolved.

The Democratic Party plans to once again push for legislation to restrict President Trump's tariffs during the fall session. Senator Ron Wyden (Democrat, Oregon) pressed the issue, stating, "It's time for my Republican colleagues to take action, not just speak in private."