Senators Hunt for Trump's Tariff "Scapegoat"

• Track the developments in U.S. politics via the live blog for updates on the intensifying trade conflict involving Trump.

North Carolina Senator Thom Tillis has significant doubts about President Trump’s extensive tariffs imposed on various nations worldwide and wants to identify whom to blame if the administration's strategy proves unsuccessful.

The Republican senator questioned U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer during a hearing regarding the origin of the strategy to introduce extensive tariffs simultaneously. Capitol Hill.

Among multiple GOP senators, he raised objections regarding the way the administration was managing tariffs and the intensifying trade conflict.

"I presume this was thoroughly analyzed since it’s an innovative method; it required careful consideration. Who gets throttled if this turns out to be incorrect?" Tillis questioned.

"Well, Senator, you can definitely always reach out to me," Greer replied, recognizing he was at the forefront regarding tariff issues.

'Till did not ask about the wet-on-wet technique,' he continued, pressing further into his inquiry regarding why almost every country seems to be simultaneously burdened with these new trade barriers.

However, Greer attempted to evade the query by pointing out that the plan did not include certain specific imports such as semiconductors and pharmaceuticals.

Tillis progressed further, yet he later noted that it seemed as though the U.S. had chosen to initiate a trade war 'across every front.'

He contended that it could be acceptable provided those who devised the plan could justify why the U.S. targeted its own close allies and did not offer leniency to developing nations, thereby preventing them from seeking investments from Chinese entities instead.

Tillis said he was still trying to grasp the suddenness of the U.S. implementing tariffs broadly.

'Tilllis stated that if you take ownership of this decision, he will expect you to determine whether we will succeed.'

"If you’re not convinced about the decision, I’m simply determining whose throat I get to metaphorically throttle if things go awry, and who I should elevate onto a pedestal to commend for their innovative approach if it turns out to be correct," he explained.

A legislator from North Carolina faces reelection soon. They expressed worries over public sentiment regarding future tariffs and pointed out that 401k pension plans are being affected.

A week ago, Trump declared that all nations—even those without inhabitants—would face a 10 percent tariff on their imports. He also mentioned that countries could see even higher 'reciprocal' tariffs imposed on them. White House deemed the worst offenders.

The White House stated that around 70 nations had attempted to negotiate deals to avoid the tariffs, which were nonetheless implemented on Wednesday as discussions remained ongoing.

However, several Republican senators expressed their worries to Greer about the intensifying trade conflict with China. Yet, the U.S. trade representative suggested that it didn’t seem like an agreement with China was likely anytime soon.

Initially, Trump proposed a 34 percent tariff hike on China, which was already facing previous duties. However, when China did not yield to counter-tariffs, the President escalated the rates to 104 percent against this key trading ally.

On Wednesday, China declared it would levy an 84 percent tariff on U.S. goods as retaliation.

During the same session on Tuesday, the Republican Party Senator Ron Johnson expressed his disappointment upon learning that exclusions would be dismissed, as legislators pushed for certain product exemptions to assist businesses raising concerns in their respective states.

The Wisconsin senator and supporter of Trump mentioned that there are specific circumstances under which exceptions might be warranted.

'I hope that both you and the President are extremely cautious regarding the potential bankruptcy of companies due to these measures,' Johnson cautioned.

The Republican who supports Make America Great Again stated that he typically disagrees with Democrats, yet acknowledged that they share common ground when addressing issues related to small businesses within their respective states.

He stated that they advocate for fair trade but cautioned that tariffs act as a 'double-edged sword' and are somewhat of a 'blunt tool.'

Senator James Lankford (R-Okla.) similarly questioned the timing of the negotiations aimed at securing trade agreements.

“We haven’t established a specific timeline for that,” Greer informed him, but he emphasized that they are making progress. as quickly as possible.'

Read more