Newsom’s Fiery Tariff Takedown: Where’s Congress in Trump’s Trade War?

Introduction: A Governor’s Outrage

California Governor Gavin Newsom didn’t hold back in his recent speech slamming President Donald Trump’s tariffs, calling out Congress for its inaction and painting a vivid picture of the economic fallout hitting real families. Speaking at an almond farm in Ceres, California, on April 16, 2025, Newsom channeled personal frustration as a parent and taxpayer, decrying tariffs that he says are wrecking California’s economy and America’s global reputation. His raw, emotional rhetoric—peppered with references to his kids’ Christmas toys and his family’s lack of “trust funds”—struck a chord, but it also raised questions about the role of Congress and the broader impact of Trump’s trade policies. Let’s dive into Newsom’s speech, unpack its key themes, and explore why it’s sparking such a heated conversation.

The Heart of Newsom’s Message

Newsom’s speech was a blend of personal storytelling and pointed political critique. He leaned into his identity as a father of four, noting that “80% of their Christmas toys come from China,” to underscore how tariffs inflate costs for everyday families. This wasn’t just about abstract economics; it was about the price of toys under the Christmas tree. He also invoked his late mother, mentioning her “conscience” to highlight the human toll of economic policies that, in his view, lack rationale or compassion. His anger as a taxpayer and business owner added another layer, emphasizing the stress on California’s export industries, like agriculture and tech, which are caught in the crosshairs of Trump’s trade war.

The governor’s central jab was at Congress, particularly House Speaker Mike Johnson, whom he called out by name: “Where the hell is Congress? Where the hell is Johnson? Do your job!” Newsom argued that Trump’s use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to impose tariffs—10% on all imports and 145% on Chinese goods lacks congressional approval, violating the Constitution’s delegation of tariff authority to Congress. He accused lawmakers of “sitting there passively” while Trump “wrecks the economy,” a charge that resonates with critics who see Congress as abdicating its responsibility.

Why the Tariffs Matter

Trump’s tariffs, announced as part of his “Liberation Day” trade policy, have sent shockwaves through global markets. California, the world’s fifth-largest economy, is particularly vulnerable. With $675 billion in two-way trade and heavy reliance on imports from China, Mexico, and Canada, the state faces billions in potential losses. Newsom highlighted how tariffs drive up costs for consumers, disrupt supply chains, and threaten jobs in agriculture (like almonds) and entertainment (hit by China’s retaliatory cuts to U.S. film imports). The Wall Street Journal’s editorial board called it “the dumbest trade war in history,” a sentiment Newsom echoed by describing Trump’s policies as a “wrecking ball” to America’s global reputation.

Newsom’s Legal and Political Play

Beyond rhetoric, Newsom backed his words with action, announcing a lawsuit filed with California Attorney General Rob Bonta to challenge Trump’s tariff authority. The suit, lodged in federal court, argues that the IEEPA doesn’t grant the president unilateral power to impose tariffs, a novel use of a law traditionally used for sanctions. Legal experts like Stanford’s Alan Sykes see merit in the case but warn it’s a tough win, given the ambiguity of the IEEPA and Congress’s history of delegating trade powers to the executive.

Politically, Newsom’s speech positions him as a national Democratic voice, a role he’s increasingly embracing amid speculation about 2028 presidential ambitions. His call for Congress to act aligns with broader Democratic messaging on affordability, a key issue after recent electoral losses. By framing tariffs as a tax hike on families, he’s tapping into voter concerns about rising costs, even as the White House counters that he’s distracted from California’s issues, like crime and homelessness.

The Bigger Picture: Congressional Inaction

Newsom’s frustration with Congress isn’t just political theater—it points to a deeper issue. The Constitution gives Congress the power to regulate commerce and impose tariffs, yet lawmakers have increasingly ceded this authority to the executive branch through laws like the IEEPA. This “over-delegation,” as Sykes puts it, leaves Congress sidelined, unable to check unilateral actions like Trump’s. A CBS News poll showed 58% of Americans oppose the tariffs, yet Republican lawmakers face political pressure to align with Trump, while Democrats lack the votes to force a change. Newsom’s demand for Congress to “do its job” is a call to reclaim that constitutional role, but it’s unclear if lawmakers will act.

Why This Matters to You

Newsom’s speech isn’t just California’s fight—it’s a wake-up call for anyone who buys groceries, toys, or cars. Tariffs mean higher prices, and with inflation already a concern, families could feel the pinch. The Yale Budget Lab estimates Trump’s tariffs could cost the average household $3,800 annually, with food prices up 2.8% and auto prices spiking 8.4%. If you’re a small business owner or work in an export industry, retaliatory tariffs from China or the EU could hit your bottom line. And as a taxpayer, you might wonder why Congress isn’t stepping up to debate policies that affect your wallet.

A Call to Action or a Political Gambit?

Gavin Newsom’s fiery speech is both a personal plea and a strategic move. By blending family anecdotes with a constitutional argument, he’s made the tariff debate accessible while challenging Congress to act. Whether his lawsuit succeeds or not, he’s spotlighted a critical issue: who controls America’s trade policy? As the trade war escalates, the stakes are high for California and beyond. Will Congress answer Newsom’s call, or will Trump’s tariffs reshape the economy unchecked?

Thought Questions:

1. Do you think Congress should take a more active role in regulating tariffs, or is the president’s flexibility necessary for quick trade decisions?

2. How might Trump’s tariffs affect your family’s budget or local businesses in your area?

3. Is Newsom’s lawsuit a genuine push for accountability or a political move to boost his national profile?