Apr 7, 2025 - Politics & Policy

Scoop: Trump issues veto threat on tariff bill

Trump walking across the south lawn — President Trump walks on the South Lawn of the White House on April 6, 2025 in Washington, D.C. Photo: Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images

President Trump would veto a bill introduced by Sens. Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) and Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) that would limit the president's authority to unilaterally impose tariffs, according to a White House statement seen by Axios.

Why it matters: In the midst of a potential trade war, Trump wants to ensure that the president retains full authority to tariff products entering America.

"If passed, this bill would dangerously hamper the President's authority and duty to determine our foreign policy and protect our national security," according to a statement of administration policy that was sent to congressional offices today.
"If S. 1272 were presented to the President, he would veto the bill."

Driving the news: Seven GOP senators have signed onto the bipartisan legislation, which is emerging as a proxy for Republicans to express their concern over Trump's tariffs.

"You don't get a first introduction and get so many people on board, but I think it shows the anxiety that people have," Cantwell said on CBS yesterday.
House Democrats are planning to try to force a vote on ending the national emergency upon which Trump's new tariffs are based.

What we're hearing: Trump was rankled by the bill's introduction, according to a person familiar with his thinking.

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Scoop: Trump issues veto threat on tariff bill

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