In a surprising turn, Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) — a self-described supporter of President Donald Trump — is leading a bipartisan push that could strip the president’s authority to impose tariffs, shifting power back to a Congress many conservatives say has failed the American people for decades.
Paul’s legislation, S.J. Res. 49, would hand tariff-setting authority to lawmakers, a move the Trump administration says will undermine national security and hurt American workers. The White House has already made it clear: if this bill hits the president’s desk, it will be vetoed.
“This resolution would severely weaken our ability to protect American industries from unfair foreign trade practices,” the Office of Management and Budget warned. “The president will veto it.”
Paul’s argument? He claims tariffs act as a “tax on Americans.” But President Trump sees tariffs as a powerful tool to end foreign cheating, bring back American jobs, and potentially abolish income taxes for families earning under $200,000 a year.
That message hits home with older Americans who remember what economic strength once looked like.
Who’s Backing Rand Paul? Paul has found unlikely allies in anti-Trump Republicans like Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), and former GOP Senate Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.). Liberal senators like Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) and even veteran Republican Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) have floated similar measures in the past — all of which the White House has opposed.
Meanwhile, House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) is standing with Trump, resisting efforts to bring Paul’s bill to a vote in the House. That hasn’t stopped Paul from lashing out, calling Johnson’s delay “dishonesty.”
The Bigger Picture for Conservatives For many in the America First movement, tariffs aren’t just about trade. They’re about taking back economic control, defending U.S. sovereignty, and ensuring America is never again dependent on China or foreign interests. Cutting into presidential authority at this moment could cripple Trump’s ability to act decisively when needed.
As President Trump works to rebuild the economy, secure the border, and slash taxes, Rand Paul’s challenge threatens to divide the GOP at a critical time — and puts America’s economic future at risk.