President Donald Trump has signaled he would veto a bipartisan Senate bill aimed at restricting his authority to impose tariffs, according to a statement from the White House. The legislation, known as the Trade Review Act, was introduced by Senators Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and seeks to reassert congressional oversight over trade policy.
The bill would require the president to notify Congress within 48 hours of imposing new tariffs. More significantly, it mandates that any tariffs introduced without congressional approval would automatically expire after 60 days. Supporters argue the bill is necessary to restore the constitutional balance of power in trade matters, which has shifted heavily toward the executive branch in recent years.
The White House, however, strongly opposes the measure, stating it would “severely constrain the President’s ability to respond to national emergencies and foreign threats.” Officials argue that limiting presidential flexibility in trade negotiations would weaken U.S. leverage on the global stage.
Despite bipartisan backing, the bill faces an uncertain future. Senate Majority Leader John Thune expressed doubt about its chances, especially in light of the president’s clear opposition and veto threat.
This conflict reflects ongoing tensions between Congress and the executive branch over trade policy. During Trump’s first term, he imposed sweeping tariffs—especially on China—without needing congressional approval, often invoking national security as justification. The current bill represents a legislative pushback, though its success remains in doubt as the 2024 election season intensifies.
