Trump singles out McConnell, Paul as 'disloyal' over tariff opposition
By Josh James
April 2, 2025 at 3:13 PM EDT
Both of Kentucky's Republican senators have been staunch critics of President Trump's tariff strategy. But now they're getting heat from the president himself.
Sen. Mitch McConnell has long stood firm on his opposition to tariffs as an economic tactic, and Sen. Rand Paul has said he wants to see legislation handing some control to Congress on the controversial policies.
Paul told national media he agrees with economists that predict rising prices and hopes to see the administration back away.
"Almost every industry in Kentucky has come to me and said it will hurt our industry and push up prices of homes, cars, and so I'm going to continue to argue against tariffs," he said. "I hope they'll not go in place, and I hope they won't cause a recession."
In an online post, Trump singled out McConnell and Paul, along with other tariff skeptics in his party as "unbelievably disloyal" for opposing attempts to place tariffs on Canada.
Both Kentucky senators have said free trade is good for the US and have noted opposition from key Kentucky industries toward the tariffs.
Paul told national media he agrees with economists that predict rising prices and hopes to see the administration back away.
"Almost every industry in Kentucky has come to me and said it will hurt our industry and push up prices of homes, cars, and so I'm going to continue to argue against tariffs," he said. "I hope they'll not go in place, and I hope they won't cause a recession."
In an online post, Trump singled out McConnell and Paul, along with other tariff skeptics in his party as "unbelievably disloyal" for opposing attempts to place tariffs on Canada.
Both Kentucky senators have said free trade is good for the US and have noted opposition from key Kentucky industries toward the tariffs.