Mixed Reactions from GOP, Citing Economy and Security

Republican Congressmen Support Trump's Tariffs on Canada, China, and Mexico

While Republicans generally support free trade, they are giving President Trump space to maneuver with his tariffs on imports from Canada, China, and Mexico.

Rep. Derek Schmidt (R-Kan.) believes that Trump was clear with the American people about his belief in tariffs as a tool to restore American strength and trade, as well as defend other American interests. He supports the president following through on his promises.

Trump implemented a 25% tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico, and increased the tariff on imports from China to 20%. Energy resources from Canada will have a lower 10% tariff. According to the White House, the new tariffs aim to combat threats to national security, including unchecked drug trafficking.

Rep. Tom McClintock (R-Calif.) believes that tariffs hurt everyone, including the United States and its trading partners. However, he believes that if the president is using tariffs to achieve higher objectives such as securing the borders, it is worth it.

Rep. Burgess Owens (R-Utah) believes that tariffs are good for innovation and the long-term health of the economy. He believes that Trump is making an investment in the American system by trying to bring business back to the United States.

Rep. Rob Wittman (R-Va.) believes that the end goal of these tariffs is to address the hundreds of thousands of deaths caused by the fentanyl crisis. He believes that Canada and Mexico will eventually do what they need to do to help interdict the flow of fentanyl. He also believes that the president is right to say that the country needs to elevate the impact on China for contributing to the fentanyl crisis and hurting the people of the United States.

Rep. Owens believes that getting the economy back on track will entail a long process, but Trump has brought in a remarkable team to address the problem. He believes that Trump loves the country and wants it to be respected and prosperous. He asks for leeway to allow Trump to do what he has to do to make it work.