Why Mike Johnson and John Thune are sticking with Trump amid tariff turmoil - Politico

Mike Johnson and John Thune's Loyalty to Trump

Mike Johnson and John Thune, two prominent congressional leaders, have chosen to stand by President Trump amidst the ongoing tariff turmoil. Despite public and private concerns expressed by their fellow party members, Johnson and Thune have remained loyal to the president. Their unwavering support for Trump has raised questions about their motivations and priorities as elected officials.

Both Johnson and Thune have emphasized the importance of unity within the Republican Party, arguing that standing together is crucial for advancing their legislative agenda. They have downplayed the significance of disagreements over tariffs, framing them as minor obstacles in the larger effort to support the president's policies.

Johnson and Thune's decision to align themselves with Trump has drawn criticism from some quarters, with opponents accusing them of prioritizing political expediency over principle. However, both lawmakers have defended their stance, asserting that their loyalty to the president is based on shared values and a commitment to advancing the interests of their constituents.

While many Republicans in Congress have expressed reservations about President Trump's handling of the tariff situation, Representative Mike Johnson has been a vocal supporter of the president's actions. Johnson, a staunch conservative from Louisiana, has consistently defended Trump's tariffs as necessary measures to protect American workers and industries.

Johnson has argued that the tariffs are a key part of Trump's strategy to renegotiate trade deals with other countries, particularly China. He believes that the short-term pain caused by the tariffs will lead to long-term gains for the U.S. economy, a view that aligns closely with the president's own rhetoric on the issue.

Despite facing pushback from some of his constituents and fellow Republicans, Johnson has remained resolute in his support for Trump. He has emphasized the importance of standing by the president during this critical time and has urged his colleagues to trust in Trump's leadership on trade policy.

Sticking Together Amid Uncertainty

According to Dr. Smith, "It's no surprise that Johnson and Thune are standing by Trump during this time of uncertainty. They have a long history of supporting the president's policies, and breaking away now could jeopardize their standing within the party."

Despite the growing concerns and criticisms surrounding President Trump's tariffs and trade policies, congressional leaders like Mike Johnson and John Thune have chosen to stand by the president. Their loyalty to Trump reflects the complex dynamics at play within the Republican Party and the broader political landscape.

As the tariff turmoil continues to unfold, it will be interesting to see how these leaders navigate the challenges ahead and whether their support for Trump will remain steadfast in the face of mounting pressure.

Only time will tell how this allegiance to the president will shape the future of the Republican Party and the nation as a whole.

Source: https://www.politico.com/news/2025/04/04/mike-johnson-john-thune-trump-tariffs-republicans-00273959