Trump’s Second Term Sparks GOP Tensions Over Pardons, Tariffs

WASHINGTON, D.C. — President Donald Trump’s second term has reignited tensions within the Republican Party as he moves forward with controversial policies, including pardons for Jan. 6 Capitol riot offenders and aggressive tariffs on U.S. allies. Despite GOP lawmakers’ initial jubilation over his re-election, Trump’s actions are testing party unity.

On his second day in office, Trump issued broad pardons for individuals convicted of crimes related to the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riot. While some Republicans applauded the move, others, including Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, expressed dismay. “No one should excuse violence, particularly violence against police officers,” McConnell told Semafor, referencing Vice President JD Vance’s opposition to pardoning violent offenders.

Trump’s tariff threats have also drawn criticism. He announced a 25% tariff on Canadian and Mexican imports, set to take effect in 10 days. Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kan., warned that such tariffs could harm agricultural states like his. “Tariffs generally result in retaliatory tariffs against U.S. products, and it’s most likely to be agriculture,” Moran said.

Another contentious issue is Trump’s delay in enforcing a ban on TikTok’s Chinese ownership. Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, questioned Trump’s proposal for a joint venture with ByteDance, TikTok’s parent company. “I don’t fully understand how President Trump can suggest that 50% American ownership would be in compliance with the law,” Collins said.

Trump’s push to rename Alaska’s Denali to Mount McKinley has also sparked resistance from Republican Sens. Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan. However, Sullivan emphasized his support for Trump’s broader energy policies in Alaska. “Yesterday was a great day for Alaska,” Sullivan said, referencing Trump’s executive orders.

Meanwhile, some Republicans have shifted focus to former President Joe Biden’s preemptive pardons of his family members. Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, criticized Biden’s actions as “selfish,” suggesting they overshadowed concerns about Trump’s pardons.

As Trump’s second term unfolds, the GOP faces familiar challenges in balancing loyalty to the president with policy disagreements. While Republican control of the White House and Congress has so far mitigated public clashes, the party’s unity may be tested as contentious issues continue to arise.