Republicans are facing internal divisions after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled 6–3 that President Donald Trump exceeded his authority by imposing sweeping global tariffs under emergency powers. The decision has triggered competing responses inside the GOP over how to move forward on trade policy.
Some Trump allies, led by Senator Bernie Moreno of Ohio, are urging Republicans to use the budget reconciliation process to raise tariff rates through existing trade laws, which would allow passage with a simple majority vote in the Senate.
Supporters argue tariffs remain a necessary tool to pressure foreign governments and protect U.S. industries.
Other Republicans welcomed the court’s ruling, saying it reaffirmed Congress’s constitutional authority over trade. Senator Rand Paul said tariffs are effectively taxes and should not be imposed by presidential decree.
Senators Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski also praised the ruling, warning that unchecked executive power threatens constitutional balance.
The ruling has also sparked debate over whether businesses and consumers should receive refunds for tariffs collected under the invalidated policy.
Trump allies oppose refunds, arguing the process would be unworkable and harmful to trade enforcement. Treasury officials have warned that issuing refunds could amount to corporate welfare.
Party leaders now face pressure to balance support for Trump’s trade agenda with concerns about constitutional limits, economic impact, and political risks ahead of the 2026 midterms.
