Republicans and conservative groups have begun targeting with scorched-earth potency President Donald Trump's decision to introduce new tariffs on imported steel and aluminum, arguing the move will be a disaster for the U.S. economy and American workers in a dramatic split from their own party's leader.
AshLee Strong, a spokesperson for House Speaker Paul Ryan, said Monday that Ryan is asking Trump to not go forward with the new trade measures.
"We are extremely worried about the consequences of a trade war and are urging the White House to not advance with this plan," Strong said. "The new tax reform law has boosted the economy and we certainly don't want to jeopardize those gains."
Her statement came after Ryan's office circulated a CNBC article attributing the decline in the stock market early Monday morning to tariff concerns.
Other Republican lawmakers also consider the proposed tariffs are a threat to the US economy.
"Kooky 18th Century protectionism will jack up prices on American families – and will prompt retaliation from other countries," GOP Sen. Ben Sasse said Friday. "Make no mistake: If the President goes through with this, it will kill American jobs – that's what every trade war ultimately does. So much losing."
