A Senate hearing on Wednesday turned tense as Senator John Kennedy of Louisiana grilled Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick over the Trump administration’s trade policy, raising serious questions about its direction and logic—especially regarding tariffs and trade reciprocity.
“Why Not Zero Tariffs?” Kennedy Asks
The spotlight moment came when Kennedy asked a straightforward question: if a country like Vietnam agreed to drop all its tariffs and trade barriers, would the U.S. do the same?
Secretary Lutnick’s response: “Absolutely not.”
His reasoning? Lutnick said Vietnam could become a backdoor for Chinese goods into the U.S., which would undermine national interests. But Kennedy wasn’t buying that explanation.
“Then what’s the point of even talking about reciprocity?” the senator asked, visibly frustrated. “Why are we making trade deals if we’re not going to accept fair ones?”
The back-and-forth drew attention to what Kennedy sees as a lack of clarity in how the Trump administration is approaching trade. The senator’s tone was sharp but measured, pressing for answers rather than just making political points.
Basic Laws, Big Implications
Kennedy didn’t stop there. He also questioned Lutnick’s understanding of a key trade law—the Trade Expansion Act of 1962. That’s the law that gives the president authority to impose tariffs for national security reasons.
Lutnick admitted he wasn’t fully familiar with the law’s details, something that clearly didn’t sit well with Kennedy.
“If you’re going to use these powers, you ought to understand where they come from,” Kennedy said.
It was a pointed reminder that trade policy isn’t just about economic theory—it’s about knowing the rules and how they affect American businesses and jobs.
Lobsters and Local Industry: A Political Nod
At one point in the hearing, Lutnick tried to steer the conversation toward supporting specific industries. He pledged to protect Maine’s lobster fishermen, perhaps hoping to show that the administration’s policies were grounded in helping real people.
But Kennedy’s focus remained on the big picture: if trade decisions are being made without clear strategy or legal grounding, then local industries could suffer more in the long run, even with temporary support.
Growing Frustration on Both Sides
The hearing revealed broader frustrations with how the Trump administration is managing trade. While Republicans typically back tougher stances on China and foreign competition, there’s growing concern—even within the party—that the administration’s policies may be more reactive than strategic.
Kennedy’s tough questions weren’t just for show. They echoed concerns shared quietly by many lawmakers: that the U.S. may be heading into trade fights without a clear endgame.
Democrats, meanwhile, jumped on the moment to call the administration’s economic leadership “disorganized” and “unfocused,” pointing to Lutnick’s shaky responses as proof.
What Happens Next
This hearing likely won’t be the last time Secretary Lutnick is called to explain the administration’s trade approach. With global markets shifting and trade talks continuing around the world, both Republicans and Democrats want clearer answers.
For now, Senator Kennedy’s questioning has spotlighted a key issue: if America wants to lead on trade, it needs a plan that makes sense, not just policies built on suspicion and improvisation.
