During a Senate Finance Committee hearing yesterday, North Carolina Senator Thom Tillis (R) expressed skepticism about President Trump’s comprehensive tariff strategy. Addressing U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, Tillis asked, “Whose throat do I get to choke if this proves to be wrong?”
Tillis questioned the administration’s “alla prima,” or all-at-once, approach to imposing tariffs on multiple countries at the same time. He raised concerns about the potential negative impacts on American citizens, particularly those in lower-income brackets who might experience increased costs and job losses. Reflecting on his upbringing, Tillis asked, “Do you believe that over the next 14 months… the people in the trailer park where I grew up… how are they going to be feeling on Groundhog Day 2026?”
Greer acknowledged that he is “at the tip of the spear” in implementing trade policies but emphasized that President Trump is the ultimate decision-maker. He noted that the administration does not plan to offer exclusions, even for essential materials like steel and aluminum.
The hearing highlighted bipartisan concerns about the potential economic repercussions of the tariff strategy, with lawmakers seeking clearer accountability and objectives from the administration.
