White House Rallies GOP on Trump Tariff Plan in Secret Call

The White House is pulling out all the stops to ensure Republican lawmakers are aligned on former President Donald Trump's ambitious tariff plan, which promises sweeping economic changes.

In a rare coordination effort, U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer briefed House GOP staffers during a closed-door call Wednesday evening, describing the moment as a seismic shift in economic policy not seen since post-World War II. Greer argued that the U.S. has endured decades of unfair trade practices after lowering its tariffs to boost global trade—a move that, according to the administration, has cost American industries dearly.

During the call, Greer pointed to examples like Brazil and the European Union while clarifying that products already subject to U.S. penalties would be exempt from additional tariffs—a crumb of relief, perhaps, for foreign producers.

The White House’s strategy underscores the administration's commitment to its tariff-centered economic platform. A source familiar with the call revealed that this was the first such communication policy call between the White House and House GOP staff, marking tariffs as a top-tier priority.

When asked for comment, a White House official emphasized transparency as the hallmark of the Trump administration, claiming the president wants his allies armed with the latest intel. Of course, transparency is subjective when the call itself is labeled "secret."

While most Republican lawmakers are cheering Trump’s tariff moves, some have expressed concerns. Rep. Don Bacon, R-Neb., cautiously supported the idea of "equal tariffs" but flagged the complexities of industries like automobile manufacturing, where parts come from all over the globe. Meanwhile, Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, broke ranks to support a Democratic resolution exempting Canada from tariffs, citing potentially harmful price hikes for essentials like groceries and heating oil.

"As always, price hikes hurt those who can least afford them," Collins remarked, urging her colleagues to join her in support of the exemption.

Other GOP lawmakers, however, downplayed the long-term implications. "As long as it’s a short-term tool, folks will be OK," one anonymous Republican noted.

Newly elected Rep. Julie Fedorchak, R-N.D., backed Trump’s strategy while acknowledging its challenges for North Dakota farmers and producers. "I support efforts to create a level playing field," Fedorchak said in a statement, "but I’ll keep advocating for policies that offset the negative impacts these tariffs create."

A number of Republican heavyweights, including Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., stood firmly behind the plan, with Johnson declaring, "President Trump is sending a clear message with Liberation Day: America will not be exploited by unfair trade practices anymore." Liberation Day? Sounds a bit dramatic, but hey, branding is everything.

Rep. Andy Biggs, R-Ariz., took to social media to praise Trump’s "brilliant economic strategy," while taking a swipe at President Joe Biden’s legacy, citing the $1.2 trillion trade deficit left behind by the current administration.

The cornerstone of Trump’s tariff plan includes a 10% blanket tariff on all foreign imports and up to a whopping 50% for adversaries and allies alike. The policy also introduces reciprocal tariffs on countries that tax U.S. exports, though notably, the U.S. rates remain lower in most cases.

Given the polarizing nature of this strategy, one thing’s clear: Trump’s tariffs are shaking up the GOP, global trade, and perhaps your next grocery bill.