Democratic Rep. Golden Defends Trump Tariffs Against GOP Opposition

Democratic Rep. Jared Golden of Maine is emerging as a prominent supporter of President Trump's tariff policy, advocating against Congressional Republican efforts to limit Trump's tariff authority. Golden, who represents a district that Trump won by nine points, expressed concerns that the administration might abandon its tariff strategy due to political pressure. He criticized fellow Democrats for shifting their stance on trade, arguing that opposition to tariffs contradicts the party's previous positions on trade agreements like NAFTA and TPP. Meanwhile, Republican Senator Chuck Grassley has co-introduced a bill to require Congressional approval for unilateral tariffs, facing a veto threat from Trump. Golden's unique position has drawn attention amidst a broader debate within the GOP regarding the potential electoral impact of tariffs in the 2026 midterms. He remains one of the few Democrats openly endorsing Trump's tariff measures, indicating a significant rift within party lines on trade policy.