Op-ed urges Congress to reclaim trade authority after midterms
An opinion piece argues that lawmakers should reclaim authority over trade policy once the midterm elections are over. It says tariffs have become a major voter concern because they are seen as raising prices and weakening the economy. The author notes that Trump has not changed course despite polling and economic research critical of the duties.
A Cato–Morning Consult survey found 75% saw tariffs as important to their midterm vote, including 35% who called it very important. Most respondents said duties raised store prices, about half said they weakened the economy, and only 21% thought foreigners mainly paid. A New York Fed study tied the tariffs to 2.9 percentage points of goods-price inflation.
After tariffs reaching 50% on Chinese imports in 2018–19, the current-account gap grew threefold to $1.2 trillion by 2024, partly because China sent exports through Mexico and Southeast Asia. A Baker Institute paper points to altered trade flows and greater U.S. demand for computing gear during the AI expansion.
If Congress reasserts trade authority, the debate could affect consumers facing higher prices, import-dependent businesses, manufacturers, and workers in trade-exposed sectors. Greater legislative involvement may add uncertainty or predictability depending on approach; it could also shift how tariff decisions are made and who bears costs. The survey results suggest voter concern may keep trade policy salient beyond midterms, potentially influencing how lawmakers balance price pressures with industrial and foreign-policy goals.