It’s been a year since President Donald Trump announced April 2 as ‘Liberation Day,’ marking the implementation of substantial tariffs on multiple countries. Initially supported by House Republicans, these tariffs are now a topic they prefer not to discuss.
The American Journal News inquired with 27 GOP representatives considered the most vulnerable in upcoming elections to gauge their current stance on Trump’s tariff policies. As of publication, none responded.
Republicans initially promised that tariffs would reduce costs. However, a Tax Foundation analysis indicates that last year, these tariffs contributed to a 7% increase in retail prices, affecting products such as cars, clothing, toys, and furniture.
Legal challenges have arisen against the tariffs. In February, the U.S. Supreme Court deemed the legal basis for the tariffs as unlawful. Despite this, the ruling allows for potential reinstatement through other means.
Trump’s adjustments, including the removal and imposition of various tariffs, have left businesses and consumers navigating a complex landscape. “An international trade policy based on bullying and BS isn’t helping anyone,” said Gabe Vasquez, a congressional candidate in New Mexico’s 2nd District.
In Arizona, Republicans Eli Crane, Juan Ciscomani, and David Schweikert, alongside Colorado’s Gabe Evans, are among those who declined to comment. The same silence came from lawmakers in swing states like Michigan’s Bill Huizenga and Tom Barrett, Pennsylvania’s Ryan Mackenzie, Rob Bresnahan, and Scott Perry, and Wisconsin’s Bryan Steil and Derrick Van Orden.
Notably, Mackenzie has shown openness to rolling back tariffs but opposed lifting those on Canada. Meanwhile, Huizenga, Barrett, Perry, and Steil initially praised the tariffs.
Huizenga told reporters in April 2025, “Is there going to be some adjustments? Absolutely. Is it going to be easy? Not necessarily. Is it the right thing to do? Absolutely it is.”
Bresnahan faced scrutiny for stock trades made around the tariff announcement, despite his pledge to abstain from personal trading if elected.
Economists argue that Trump’s tariffs have worsened the affordability crisis caused by persistent inflation and corporate actions. This situation has intensified following the U.S. invasion of Iran, with gas prices soaring over $4 a gallon for the first time in three years.
Democratic Rep. Suzan DelBene remarked to Semafor that the anniversary serves as a reminder of those responsible for increasing challenges in Americans’ lives.
Other representatives who have not commented include California’s David Valadao, Young Kim, and Ken Calvert; Florida’s Anna Paulina Luna and Maria Elvira Salazar; Iowa’s Mariannette Miller-Meeks; Kentucky’s Andy Barr; Missouri’s Ann Wagner; New Jersey’s Tom Kean Jr.; New York’s Mike Lawler; Ohio’s Max Miller and Mike Carey; Tennessee’s Andy Ogles; Texas’s Monica De La Cruz; and Virginia’s Rob Wittman and Jen Kiggans.
