GOP Divided Over Supreme Court Tariff Ruling

Party representatives air concerns over economic impact and Trump's response to the decision.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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The Republican Party is in turmoil over a recent Supreme Court ruling that requires Congressional approval for increases to tariff percentages imposed by the president. The 6-3 ruling against former President Trump has left the GOP divided, with some representatives calling for reconciliation and others supporting the administration's economic policies.

Why it matters

The Supreme Court decision limits the president's unilateral authority on tariffs, a key economic tool used by the Trump administration. This has exposed divisions within the Republican Party as they grapple with balancing support for the former president's agenda and addressing the real-world impacts of the tariffs on businesses and consumers.

The details

Several Republican senators have voiced their concerns over the tariff issue. Susan Collins of Maine reaffirmed that only Congress has the constitutional authority to impose tariffs, while Ted Budd of North Carolina expressed a need to address issues beyond just tariffs through reconciliation. Bernie Moreno of Ohio, however, has backed the tariff policy and ruled out refunds for affected businesses. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has also criticized the idea of returning $175 billion in tariff payments as "corporate welfare".

  • The Supreme Court issued its 6-3 ruling against former President Trump's use of tariffs on February 22, 2026.

The players

Susan Collins

Republican senator from Maine who said the Supreme Court decision reaffirms that only Congress has the constitutional authority to impose tariffs.

Ted Budd

Republican senator from North Carolina who expressed a need to address issues beyond just tariffs through reconciliation.

Bernie Moreno

Republican senator from Ohio who has backed the tariff policy and ruled out refunds for affected businesses.

Scott Bessent

Treasury Secretary who criticized the idea of returning $175 billion in tariff payments as "corporate welfare".

John Thune

Senate Majority Leader who approved the use of tariffs in pressuring other nations, but noted a permanent tariff option would be unfair.

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What they’re saying

“Tariffs can be an important and effective tool to address unfair trade practices and help level the playing field with foreign competitors.”

— John Thune, Senate Majority Leader (The Hill)

“Who's the money going back to? How's that going to work? The only people who would say something like that would be people who don't know how business works.”

— Bernie Moreno, Republican senator from Ohio (The Hill)

What’s next

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The takeaway

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