NC-1 GOP Candidates Stand By Trump Tariffs After Supreme Court Limits Emergency Authority

The Supreme Court ruling refocuses tariff decisions on Congress, sharpening the stakes for a farm-dependent district.

Overview

At a Feb. 19 WNCT debate, Laurie Buckhout, Asa Buck, Eric Rouse, and state Sen. Bobby Hanig endorsed keeping Trump’s tariffs, while attorney Ashley-Nicole Russell did not attend.
On Feb. 20, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down most tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, curbing the president’s emergency authority.
Trump said he would seek to reimpose tariffs using other U.S. laws, leaving trade policy uncertain for North Carolina producers.
A taped farmer’s complaint highlighted lost Chinese demand for eastern North Carolina flu-cured tobacco and lower prices, as candidates framed tariffs as temporary and proposed bridge loans and input-cost relief.
The GOP primary winner will face Democratic Rep. Don Davis, who supports targeted tariffs and said congressional control should bring more stability than the current broad approach.