Democratic control of US Congress could limit Trump trade power
Analysts say a Democratic victory in the US midterm elections gives Congress new authority to scrutinize President Donald Trump's trade deals with China.
Congressional authority over trade policy
Stephen Olson, a former US trade negotiator, noted that Democrats might reassert congressional authority on trade matters. He added that pro-free trade Republicans previously intimidated into silence could now speak up. Despite this potential shift, Olson stated that a major change in trade policy remains unlikely because the president keeps broad executive power over tariffs.
Impact on tariff negotiations
Wu Xinbo from Fudan University explained that limiting Trump's use of tariffs would weaken his leverage in talks with Beijing. Drew Thompson of Singapore's Nanyang Technological University said Democrats will try to thwart the president over the next two years. However, Thompson warned that Congress must consider how popular these tariffs are among unions and small businesses before acting.
All 2 outlets report consistently
No differences in figures, names or dates across these reports.
- South China Morning Post
- Dawn
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2 independent outlets. Headlines as published. Links open the original report.