Johnson Says He Won’t Block Trump’s Tariffs as Authority Nears Expiration
Speaker of the House Mike Johnson said Wednesday that he does not intend to intervene to block President Donald Trump’s tariff actions as the legal authority behind them approaches expiration at the end of the month, a stance that could shape a major economic fight in Congress.
Asked by CNN congressional correspondent Manu Raju whether he would insert a provision to prevent legal challenges to Trump’s tariffs after their authority expires, Johnson replied, “I have no intention of getting in the way of President Trump and his administration and how they’ve been using this very effectively.”
Tariffs imposed by the president have become a flashpoint in Washington because Trump has relied on emergency economic powers under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) rather than explicit congressional authorization to set wide-ranging import taxes. Multiple lawsuits have challenged that approach, and lawmakers have debated how to respond.
The Supreme Court had been expected to issue a pivotal ruling on the constitutionality of Trump’s tariff authority, but justices delayed a decision until at least Feb. 20, leaving uncertainty about the legal basis for the duties.
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Some Republicans have pushed back on House procedural maneuvers that prevent votes to terminate tariff emergencies, arguing Congress should assert its constitutional power over tariffs. Other GOP members have lined up behind Trump’s strategy, making tariff policy a point of internal party tension.
“I have no intention of getting in the way,” Johnson said, reaffirming support for the president’s approach.
The dispute matters because tariffs affect consumer prices, global trade relations, and the constitutional balance of power between Congress and the presidency. Markets have responded sensitively to tariff threats, and lawmakers on both sides of the aisle are watching the looming deadline closely.
In the coming week, House GOP leadership is expected to face pressure from rank-and-file Republicans and Democrats alike over whether to extend or alter the rules governing tariff authority.
The outcome will influence the future of U.S. trade policy and could set the terms for another legislative showdown.
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