All eyes were on two things Tuesday morning: the stock market, and Trade Representative Jamieson Greer. (AP/Getty Images)
"The president's strategy is already bearing fruit," testified Greer. "Nearly 50 countries have approached me personally to discuss the president's new policy and explore how to achieve reciprocity."
Democrats were dubious at Greer’s suggestion. Yes, nations may be willing to negotiate. But carving out sophisticated trade agreements with nations just sanctioned by the U.S. takes time.
"You’re telling us you have nearly 50 countries coming to you, approaching you to enter into negotiation, and you think that you can do that overnight?" asked Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto, D-Nev. "You're pretty superhuman here, if that's the case."
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Greer tangled with Sen. Maggie Hassan, D-N.H.
"Even if inflation hits Americans pocketbooks at 10% because of these tariffs, then the Trump administration is still going to go charging ahead?" asked Hassan.
"Senator, your hypotheticals are not consistent with the history we have seen with tariffs," replied Greer.
Sen. John Kennedy, R-La., acknowledged that the fate of the market lies largely in the hands of President Trump, and whatever his administration does next. (Eric Lee/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
And that’s the key to the entire enterprise. It doesn’t matter what Lutnick does. Or Bessent. Or Navarro. And not Greer. For better or worse, this is President Trump’s baby. Only he can move markets. And potentially trade deals. And that’s certainly what unfolded in recent days.
Democrats – and some Republicans – excoriated the President for unilaterally imposing the tariffs. Lawmakers asked the reasoning for imposing the tariffs. And they argued that the tariffs should have been an issue which came to Capitol Hill.
"Where was the consultation with Congress about this? Where is the homework? You know, Greek and Roman letters thrown on a plaque doesn't mean a strategy that you've informed Congress on," asked Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., the top Democrat on the Senate Commerce Committee. "And part of the question is, where's the homework done by the administration to not misconstrue the authority that was given?"
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Cantwell may not have received a sufficient answer from the Trump Administration on the rationale. But Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., answered the other part of the question about why the President cut Congress out of the loop.
"Let's not pretend that this is anything other than the President exercising the statutory authority Congress has given him for decades," said Hawley. "Because Congress didn't want to do tariffs, they didn't want to do trade, it was too hot. They wanted the President to hold the hot potato. So now you've got a President who's happy to do that."
Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution declares that Congress has the "Power To lay and collect Taxes, Duties, Imposts and Excises to pay the Debts and provide for the common Defence and general Welfare of the United States."
Rep. Suzan DelBene, D-Wash., pressed Greer on the Trump administration's leveraging of executive powers. (Reuters)
"It states, ‘the President, in every possible instance, shall consult with Congress before exercising any powers.’" said DelBene. "That didn't happen."
Greer said he called Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith, R-Mo., and the top Democrat on the panel, Rep. Richard Neal, D-Mass.
"I argue that we did not have that consultation," said DelBene, who sits on the trade subcommittee.
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But less than two hours later – with Greer still testifying – President Trump announced he was now pausing most tariffs for three months. But still imposing steep tariffs on China.
Rep. Steven Horsford, D-Nev., was apoplectic.
"He announced it on a tweet?" asked an incredulous Horsford of Greer. "WTF? Who's in charge?"
I tried to get a few answers out of Greer after one of his hearings. He remained fairly mum on most of what he was asked. (FOX)
An aide to Greer then intervened.
"I think the Ambassador was extremely clear in his testimony about what was going on, and the president could make the choice," the aide interjected.
"Explain why you don't think that this was market manipulation. You said it wasn't," I followed up.
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"Were you aware that there would be a pause before you came here to Capitol Hill? Yes or no? Yes or No, sir?" continued Killion.
Greer then disappeared down a winding staircase in the Longworth House Office Building.
Let’s shift back to the Senate hearing on Tuesday with Greer.
Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C. – who faces a potential uphill battle for re-election next year – was more blunt in his questioning of Greer, asking, "Whose throat do I get to choke if this proves to be wrong?" (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)
Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., could face a competitive reelection bid next year. He asked a pointed question to Greer.
"Whose throat do I get to choke if this proves to be wrong?" asked Tillis.
"Well, Senator, you can certainly always talk to me," replied Greer.
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"So if you own this decision, I'll look to you to figure out if we're going to be successful," said Tillis. "If you don't own the decision, I'm just trying to figure out who's throat I get to choke if it's wrong."
Chad Pergram currently serves as a senior congressional correspondent for FOX News Channel (FNC). He joined the network in September 2007 and is based out of Washington, D.C.
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/speakers-lobby-whose-throat-do-i-get-choke