A Republican senator, once aligned with President Donald Trump, has publicly criticized the president’s latest tariff policies, sparking division within the GOP. Concerned about economic consequences and political fallout, the senator argued that these protectionist measures could lead to “political decimation” for the party. Drawing on historical examples like the McKinley tariffs and the Smoot-Hawley Act, he warned of their potential to harm both the economy and the GOP’s future.

The senator, known for his libertarian views, argued that tariffs should be seen as a tax on consumers, criticizing the concentration of trade power in the hands of one individual. This opposition grew as he joined other Republican senators to vote against Trump’s 25% tariffs on imports from key allies, particularly Canada, highlighting a divide within the party over trade policies.

Despite these criticisms, President Trump and some GOP members defend tariffs as necessary to protect U.S. industries. However, the ongoing debate about the economic and political effects of tariffs continues to divide the GOP. As the trade tensions unfold, questions remain about whether the long-term costs of protectionism outweigh the benefits for the U.S. economy.