GOP Lawmakers Left In Dismay

Washington, D.C. — President Trump’s no-nonsense approach to trade is earning applause from America First supporters—but now even some Republican lawmakers on Capitol Hill are expressing concern over what they call a “stall” in securing concrete trade deals, even as a new wave of tough tariffs looms over 14 countries.

With August 1 set as the start date for sweeping new tariffs—ranging from 25% to 40% on nations including Japan, South Korea, Indonesia, Bangladesh, and South Africa—concerns are growing that the uncertainty could rattle U.S. businesses and the broader economy heading into a critical election season.

Promises of Trade Deals Delayed

Earlier this year, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Trump economic advisor Kevin Hassett projected a “flurry” of new trade agreements by early July. But instead of signatures, the administration delivered a sharp escalation of tariffs aimed at holding foreign governments accountable for years of unfair trade practices.

“We were expecting results by July,” said Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.). “We’re still waiting to see the full picture.”

Even Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), a seasoned businessman and key voice on the Senate Finance Committee, warned:

“Uncertainty paralyzes the private sector. Businesses need more than just promises—they need binding deals with dispute resolution.”

Trump’s Strategy: Pressure First, Deals Later

The tariffs target essential import categories like autos, electronics, textiles, steel, and furniture—a move that Trump says will force trading partners back to the table.

“Trade deals are complicated and time-consuming,” Trump said Tuesday. “And quite frankly, I don’t have time to waste.”

Some lawmakers support that approach, especially after the president announced new bilateral agreements with Vietnam and tariff cuts from the UK in exchange for easing levies on American exports.

📊 Fast Fact: Trump’s 2017 tax cuts have now been made permanent for corporations—giving businesses long-term certainty despite global volatility.

Conservatives Want Speed, But Also Substance

Still, behind the scenes, even staunch Trump allies admit there’s tension. One unnamed GOP senator said bluntly:

“Everyone wants to see progress. Delays make it harder to message economic strength going into 2026.”

Sen. Steve Daines (R-Mont.) acknowledged the difficulty of negotiating dozens of deals at once:

“We want the deals to move faster, but we also want them done right.”

Sen. James Lankford (R-Okla.), another Finance Committee member, added:

“These executive agreements are usually industry-specific. But we’ve postponed most tariffs until August, so there’s still time to finalize the larger ones.”

Markets Watching Closely As Clock Ticks

With global markets in a fragile state, Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) cautioned:

“We’re in uncharted waters. No one can predict what these tariffs will do—here or abroad. But we have to protect American workers and industries.”

Trump trade adviser Peter Navarro originally promised “90 trade deals in 90 days.” While that lofty goal appears out of reach, insiders say dozens of negotiations are actively underway behind closed doors.

“There are more deals being worked on than the public realizes,” said Lankford. “Many of them just aren’t finalized yet.”

🔔 Bottom Line for Americans

• Trump’s tariffs are a calculated strategy to force better terms after decades of one-sided global trade.
• GOP lawmakers want more speed but agree that quality matters.
• The August 1 deadline is key—if major deals emerge before then, it could boost economic momentum.
• Permanent tax cuts are in place, offering business stability despite short-term global tensions.