McConnell: Congressional role in trade policy 'not an inconvenience to avoid' [View all]

Source: The Hill

02/20/26 2:19 PM ET


Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) joined several other Republicans in expressing his approval of Friday’s Supreme Court decision largely knocking down President Trump’s tariffs. The court found in a 6-3 decision that many of the Trump administration’s tariffs were unlawfully imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA).

In a statement released on Friday afternoon, McConnell noted Congress’ constitutional authority over taxes and tariffs. “Today, the Supreme Court reaffirmed authority that has rested with Congress for centuries,” the Kentucky senator said.

McConnell joined three other Republicans to vote for a Senate resolution last October that called for the Trump administration to repeal its tariffs on foreign nations. The vote passed amid rising discontent from U.S. consumers and businesses with the administration’s economic policies.

“As a matter of policy, the empty merits of sweeping trade wars with America’s friends were evident long before today’s decision,” McConnell said on Friday. “The American people already know that when Washington throws up artificial barriers, building and buying here at home become more expensive.

Read more: https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/5747917-mitch-mcconnell-supreme-court-tariffs/