Saturday, March 29, 2025
Trump tariff dispute sparks backlash in US Congress, lawmakers warn targeting India is a mistake
Washington, August 28, 2025 – US President Donald Trump is facing strong criticism at home over his latest tariff move, particularly his decision to impose a 50 percent duty on Indian goods. Members of the US Congress have warned that both Trump and the American public could bear the consequences of this escalating trade dispute.
The Senate Foreign Relations Committee issued a sharp rebuke of Trump’s approach, questioning the logic of singling out India while leaving out other major nations such as China. Lawmakers argued that instead of placing penalties on countries purchasing large volumes of oil from Russia and China, the Trump administration has chosen to disproportionately target India—a policy they say undermines both economic and strategic ties between Washington and New Delhi.
“By slapping heavy tariffs on India, the President is not only hurting American consumers but also damaging a critical partnership,” the committee noted. The criticism reflects growing unease within Congress that the tariff war could backfire, straining US-India relations at a time when cooperation in defense, technology, and trade is seen as vital to counterbalance China’s influence.
Analysts suggest Trump’s move may also weaken bipartisan support for his broader foreign policy agenda. Lawmakers stressed that a tariff-heavy approach risks alienating allies, while failing to address the root of global trade imbalances.
While the administration has framed the tariff as a necessary economic safeguard, critics argue it is a politically motivated decision with little connection to the ongoing Ukraine crisis—an issue Trump had earlier linked to trade penalties.
The growing rift in Washington signals that Trump’s tariff gamble could face stiff resistance at home, with Congress warning of long-term consequences for both the American economy and US foreign relations.
