Southwestern congressional members applaud tariffs ruling

By Chris Woodward
The Center Square

Members of Congress from the Southwest on Friday voiced bipartisan support for the U.S. Supreme Court’s 6-3 ruling against President Donald Trump’s tariffs.

The justices said the power to set and change tariffs belongs to Congress, not the president. Chief Justice John Roberts wrote the majority opinion.

U.S. Rep. Kevin Kiley, R-California, who voted to overturn Trump’s tariffs on Canada, said checks and balances are the foundation of American government. He added that the nation’s founders understood the tendency for each branch to test the limits of its authority in pursuit of even well-intentioned policy goals.

“Their ingenious solution was a dynamic power-sharing arrangement, a give-and-take among the branches, that would preserve the constitutional design over time,” Kiley told The Center Square. “Last week’s vote by Congress and today’s Supreme Court decision represent precisely that give-and-take envisioned by the founders.”

Kiley said he looks forward to working with his colleagues in the House to address the questions raised by Friday’s decision as members carry on their constitutional responsibilities.

U.S. Rep. Jeff Hurd, R-Colorado, also voted for overturning the tariffs on Canada, alongside most House Democrats.

“Major trade decisions should rest on clear statutory authority, not expansive emergency interpretations,” said Hurd.

California Democrats, including U.S. Sen. Adam Schiff, applauded the Supreme Court’s ruling.

“Today, the Supreme Court reaffirmed what we’ve been saying for the past year,” Schiff posted on X. “Trump’s haphazard and reckless tariff policy is illegal and unconstitutional.”

It is a similar story with U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Arizona.

In an X post, Kelly called this “a huge win for American families and small businesses.” Kelly said Arizonans were being hurt by the tariffs, and he applauded Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes for challenging the tariffs.

Like Kelly, U.S. Sen. Jacky Rosen, D-Nevada, said people in her state were being “squeezed by high prices.” In a news release, Rosen said Trump “intentionally and illegally bypassed Congress” to implement his tariffs.

“It should be a wakeup call for Trump that the rule of law still applies to him,” said Rosen.

Nevada’s other U.S. senator, Democrat Catherine Cortez Masto, said she welcomed the Supreme Court ruling.

“Over the past twelve months, Trump’s trade policies have led to rising costs of food, housing, and fuel while hardworking families suffered,” Cortez Masto said in a statement. “Our businesses, large and small, have felt the squeeze of rising prices, particularly those reliant on tourism. Unfortunately, President Trump is already looking for new ways to levy harmful tariffs on the American people and businesses.”

Justices Samuel Alito, Brett Kavanaugh and Clarence Thomas dissented.

Speaking to reporters at a White House press briefing, Trump said the Supreme Court’s ruling is deeply disappointing. The president also expressed his shame at certain justices for not doing what he said is right for the nation.

“The Democrats on the court are an automatic no,” said Trump. “Just like in Congress, they’re an automatic no. They’re against anything that makes America strong, healthy and great again. They are also, frankly, a disgrace to our nation, those justices.”

Trump also said this is the product of foreign influence. If that is the case, U.S. Rep. Abe Hamadeh, R-Arizona, said it is unacceptable. A former Maricopa County prosecutor, Hamadeh does not agree with the Supreme Court ruling.

“It is clear that some members of the court have little regard for the American people, do not support his America First policies, and are far too concerned with criticism from the fake news,” Hamadeh told The Center Square.

While Democrats and other critics of tariffs claim tariffs hurt people, Hamadeh said his district is “thriving” under the Trump administration.

“My team met with representatives of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. to discuss their plans for future jobs in Arizona, which I have made clear should focus on tapping into our veteran workforce,” said Hamadeh. “They are committed to assisting President Trump’s America First Manufacturing agenda, bringing high-paying employment opportunities to our district, which will dramatically increase the quality of life for our residents.”

When asked whether he would support future efforts by the president to impose tariffs, Hamadeh said yes, adding that he does not think Trump needs to rely on Congress.

“As he made clear in his presser, there are many alternatives available to him,” said Hamadeh. “For my part, I will continue to work with the administration on ensuring President Trump’s tariff policy continues, whether through existing executive action or through Congress.”

During Friday’s White House briefing, Trump announced that he will sign an executive order to enact a 10% global tariff.