Summary
Ted Cruz warned that Trump’s tariffs could trigger a GOP “bloodbath” in the 2026 midterms, citing inflation and market fallout as major risks.
On his Verdict podcast, Cruz criticized tariffs as taxes on consumers and urged they be short-lived.
The S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100 plunged nearly 10% over two days. Senator Rand Paul and others echoed concerns, with Paul warning tariffs could add $5,000–$15,000 to car prices.
Senator Chuck Grassley has introduced a bill requiring congressional approval of tariffs within 60 days or automatic expiration.
I don’t know why they are so worried, Trump has toppled all the heads of government agencies with loyalists. They will be well prepared to finish their transition towards authoritarianism in the midterms, although they will have a lot more to worry about before they even get there.
The feds have less control over blue state elections (although just ignoring the results is always an option), but red state governments will probably fall in line and throw out any results they don’t like.