¶ Overview
- Edwards has repeatedly stood behind tariffs, claiming that Trump needed “an edge” in trade negotiations and that they were “prudent.” When confronted about how they would raise prices on North Carolinians, Edwards said, “change always creates some discomfort.” Edwards also voted six times to protect Trump’s tariffs including in April 2025, when Edwards was the deciding vote to protect Trump’s tariffs. Tariffs were contributing to higher costs for West North Carolina small businesses, were devastating North Carolina farmers, and amounted to a $1,000 tax increase on Americans.
¶ Edwards Voted To Protect Trump’s Tariffs That Were Raising Prices On North Carolinians Despite Acknowledging They Would Create “Discomfort”
¶ Edwards Defended Trump’s Tariffs, claiming they were “prudent” and “change always creates discomfort”
Edwards Defended Trump’s Tariffs, Claiming He Needed “An Edge” To Be Able To Negotiate With Foreign Countries. According to a town hall hosted by Rep. Chuck Edwards, “EDWARDS: First of all, let's let's be forthright. President Trump told us throughout his entire campaign that he was going to be using tariffs to to negotiate, to, to negotiate with foreign countries. And that's exactly what he's doing . And to to negotiate, you've got you've got to have an edge. You've got to have something to negotiate with.” [Congressman Chuck Edwards Town Hall, 3/13/25] (video)
Edwards Stood Behind The Tariffs And Called Them “Prudent.” According to an interview Rep. Chuck Edwards gave on WLOS, “EDWARDS: I believe the American people largely stand behind President Trump. ANCHOR: Where do you stand? EDWARDS: I stand behind President Trump. I believe that we owe it to the American economy. We owe it to America being an economic superpower, to bring folks to the table and negotiate much better trade deals than what we've seen over the last several decades. Yeah, there seems to be some back and forth. I applaud the president for being flexible in being able to listen to American manufacturers and being able to listen to the American people and make adjustments where necessary. Many of the actions that are taking place right now are purely exploratory. We're in a place right now we have never been before with losing our economy to nations overseas. And I believe it's a prudent, prudent measure to show America's strength and to work to bring foreigners to the table, to negotiate much better trade deals.” [WLOS, 4/14/25] (video)
- HEADLINE: "‘I Support His Plan’: NC Congressman Chuck Edwards Says He Backs Trump’s Tariff Policies" [News Channel 9, 4/2/25] (video)
- HEADLINE: "NC Congressman Defends Trump, Urges Business Owners To Give Tariffs A Chance" [NC Newsline, 4/8/25]
HEADLINE: "NC Rep. Chuck Edwards Backs Trump Tariffs, Sees Them As A Key Economic Strategy" [ABC 13, 8/1/25]
Edwards Defended Tariffs Despite Acknowledging They Would Hurt North Carolinians: “Change Always Creates Some Discomfort.” According to an interview, Rep. Chuck Edwards gave on WLOS, "ANCHOR: When pressed on if he expects tariffs will lead to price increases for consumers, Edwards had this to say. EDWARDS: I've heard from a lot of folks that they recognize that there will be temporary adjustments that are necessary. That's part of creating change. Change always creates some discomfort. And even sometimes, Charles, things get worse before they get better. That's part of what in business we call the change curve. I believe that the president's strategy that the American people wildly adopted is a solid one. If we can just see it through." [WLOS, 8/2/25] (video)
¶ Edwards Repeatedly Voted To Protect Trump’s Tariffs
¶ February 2026: Edwards Voted To Protect Trump’s Tariffs
2026: Edwards Effectively Voted Against Terminating Tariffs On Canada. In February 2026, Edwards voted against, according to Congressional Quarterly, “the joint resolution that would terminate the Feb. 1, 2025, national emergency that imposed tariffs on goods from Canada.” The vote was on passage. The House passed the joint resolution by a vote of 219 to 211. [House Vote 65, 2/11/26; Congressional Quarterly, 2/11/26; Congressional Actions. H.J. Res. 72]
2026: Edwards Effectively Voted To Block Floor Votes On Terminating Tariffs Enacted Through Trump’s 2025 Executive Orders. In February 2026, Edwards voted for, according to Congressional Quarterly, “the rule (H Res 1042) providing for floor consideration of the Law-Enforcement Innovate to De-Escalate Act (HR 2189), the Undersea Cable Protection Act (HR 261), and the Securing America’s Critical Minerals Supply Act (HR 3617). […] It also would block the expedited consideration of joint resolutions terminating President Donald Trump's 2025 tariff actions under the Feb. 1, April 2, July 30, and Aug. 6 executive orders by providing that each day during the period from Feb. 10, 2026 through July 31, 2026, will not constitute a calendar day under the federal law pertaining to terminating national emergencies.” The vote was on the rule. The House rejected the rule by a vote of 214 to 217. [House Vote 60, 2/10/26; Congressional Quarterly, 2/10/26; Congressional Actions. H.Res. 1042]
- The Provision Was Added To A Rule Opening Debate On Three Unrelated Bills. According to Reuters, “Lawmakers voted 217-214 to derail the plan to bar tariff challenges through July 31, with three Republicans joining 214 Democrats in opposition. The prohibition was included in a measure intended to open debate on three unrelated bills.” [Reuters, 2/11/26]
- The House Adopted A Rule In March Of Last Year Barring Tariff Challenges That Expired In January Resulting In Speaker Johnson Calling Another Extension, Through This Rule, “Necessary.” According to Reuters, “Earlier in the day, Johnson told reporters that he expected the measure to pass the House, calling it necessary in view of an expected Supreme Court ruling on the legality of the tariffs. House Republicans first adopted a rule barring tariff challenges last March and later extended it through January.” [Reuters, 2/11/26]
- The Rule That Barred Tariffs Challenges Did Not Consider Days As “Calendar Days”, Blocking Democrats From Repealing Trump’s Declared National Emergency That Allowed For His Broad Tariffs. According to the Hill. “Trump declared national emergencies as a basis for implementing his broad-based global tariffs, as well as specific tariffs on China, Mexico and Canada. The National Emergencies Act dictates that Congress can use joint resolutions to repeal a national emergency, and outlines procedures to expedite that action after a certain number of calendar days. Multiple times last year, GOP leaders inserted language into procedural rule legislation to not count a ‘calendar day’ for the purposes of the National Emergencies Act until a specific date, blocking members from forcing action to repeal the tariffs. That prohibition expired at the end of January as GOP leaders faced resistance from Republicans. The latest attempt would have reinstated that prohibition until July 31, 2026.” [Reuters, 2/11/26]
- Johnson Delayed The Vote From 1:30 PM To 8:30 PM In An Attempt To Flip Votes. According to the Hill, “Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) was unable to win over the holdouts, despite delaying the vote from 1:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.” [Hill, 2/10/26]
¶ September 2025: Edwards Voted To Protect Trump’s Tariffs
2025: Edwards Effectively Voted For A Procedural Trick To Block Votes On The Reversal Of Trump’s Tariffs Through March 2026. In September 2025, Edwards voted for, according to Congressional Quarterly, “the resolution [that] would allow for the tolling (the pausing of counting) of days for resolutions of inquiry from Sept. 30, 2025 through March 31, 2026. It also would provide that each day during the period from April 9, 2025, through March 31, 2026. would not constitute a calendar day for the purposes of section 202 of the National Emergencies Act with respect to a joint resolution to terminate President Donald Trump's April 2, 2025 executive order declaring a national emergency regarding tariffs on imported goods. The resolution also would provide that during the period for March 11, 2025 through March 31, 2026, would not constitute a calendar day for purposes of section 202 of the National Emergencies Act with respect to a joint resolution terminating a national emergency executive order declared by President Trump on Feb. 1, 2025. Such an executive order concerned tariffs on many Canadian and Mexican imports and Chinese goods. The resolution also would provide that the provisions of section 202 of the National Emergencies Act would not apply through March 31, 2026 to a joint resolution terminating the national emergency.” The vote was on the rule. The House agreed to the rule by a vote of 213 to 211. [House Vote 268, 9/16/25; Congressional Quarterly, 9/16/25; Congressional Actions, H.Res. 707; Congressional Actions, H.Con. Res. 14]
- Support Was Won From GOP Holdouts Through A Promise Of A Vote Later In The Week To Shorten The Block To End In January Rather Than March. According to Politico, “GOP leaders flipped several of the Republican holdouts with a promise to add language shortening the block on tariff disapproval votes to a forthcoming measure set for approval later in the week, per two Republicans with direct knowledge of the agreement. The expiration date on the block will be reset from March 31 to the end of January, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise said Tuesday. It’s likely the Supreme Court will have ruled on a challenge to Trump’s tariff-declaring powers by then.” [Politico, 9/16/25]
- September 2025: House Republicans Voted In Favor Of A Measure That Effectively Blocked Challenges To Trump’s Tariffs Through March 2026, With The Intent Of Changing The Length Of Time To January 2026. According to Politico, "House Republicans voted in near lockstep Tuesday to again cede congressional power over tariffs to President Donald Trump. A measure that effectively blocks challenges to Trump’s sweeping global tariff declarations through March 2026 was adopted on a 213-211 vote. The vote was gaveled down only after GOP whips had a drawn-out struggle on the floor with a band of Republicans who initially opposed the legislation before flipping to yes. The vote was held open for more than a half-hour as they worked to bring the members back on board. GOP leaders flipped several of the Republican holdouts with a promise to add language shortening the block on tariff disapproval votes to a forthcoming measure set for approval later in the week, per two Republicans with direct knowledge of the agreement. The expiration date on the block will be reset from March 31 to the end of January, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise said Tuesday. It’s likely the Supreme Court will have ruled on a challenge to Trump’s tariff-declaring powers by then." [Politico, 9/16/25]
¶ April 2025: Edwards Cast The Deciding Vote To Protect Trump’s Tariffs
2025: Edwards Cast The Deciding Vote For A Procedural Trick To Block Votes On The Reversal Of Trump’s Tariffs Through September 2025. In April 2025, Edwards voted for, “adoption of the rule (H Res 313) that would provide for floor consideration of the Senate amendment to the fiscal 2025 budget resolution (H Con Res 14). The rule would provide up to one hour of debate on a motion to concur in the Senate amendment to the measure. It also would block the expedited consideration of joint resolutions terminating President Donald Trump’s tariff actions under the April 2 executive order by providing that each day during the period from April 9, 2025 through Sept. 30, 2025, will not constitute a calendar day under the federal law pertaining to terminating national emergencies.” The vote was on the rule. The underlying legislation was the FY 2025 budget resolution. The House agreed to the rule by a vote of 216 to 215. [House Vote 94, 4/9/25; Congressional Quarterly, 4/9/25; Congressional Actions, H.Res. 313;Congressional Actions, H.Con. Res. 14]
- Speaker Johnson Backed The Move, Claiming Trump Has “Executive Authority” And That The Tariffs Are “In The Interest Of The American People.” According to ABC News, “House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., defended the move, telling reporters, ‘I've made it very clear I think the president has executive authority. It's an appropriate level of authority to deal with the unfair trade practices. That's part of the role of the president is to negotiate with other countries.’ Johnson said Trump told him Tuesday night that ‘there are almost 70 countries that are [in] some stage in negotiation of more fair-trade agreement agreements with the United States. I think that is in the interest of the American people. I think that is an ‘America First’ policy that will be effective, and so we have to give them the space to do it.’” [ABC News, 4/9/25]
- The Vote Was The Second Use Of The Procedural Tactic To Block Votes On The Tariffs, The First Use Of It Being In March 2025. According to ABC News, “House Democrats, led by Rep. Gregory Meeks, D-N.Y., moved to force a vote on Tuesday on terminating the national emergency authority and blocking Trump's sweeping tariffs. Now, that vote is unlikely to occur. This is the second time Johnson has moved to stop the legislative calendar to prevent votes on Trump's authority on tariffs. Under House rules, these votes would typically come up within 15 calendar days but now will not if the ‘rule’ passes during the vote series Wednesday afternoon.” [ABC News, 4/9/25]
¶ If One “Aye” Vote Had Switched To A “No” On House Vote 94 The Measure Would Have Failed Instead Of Passing
The Measure Considered In House Vote 94 Passed By A Vote Of 216 “Ayes” To 215 “Nos,” Which Meant If One Aye Vote Had Switched To A No Vote The Measure Would Have Failed.
[House Vote 94, 4/9/25; Congressional Quarterly, 4/9/25; Congressional Actions, H.Res. 313;Congressional Actions, H.Con. Res. 14]
¶ April 2025: Edwards Voted To Protect Trump’s Tariffs
2025: Edwards Effectively Voted For A Procedural Trick To Block Votes On The Reversal Of Trump’s Tariffs Through September 2025. In April 2025, Edwards voted for, “motion to order the previous question (thus ending debate and possibility of amendment) on the rule (H Res 313) that would providing for floor consideration of the Senate amendment to the fiscal 2025 budget resolution (H Con Res 14). The rule would provide up to one hour of debate on a motion to concur in the Senate amendment to the measure. It also would block the expedited consideration of joint resolutions terminating President Donald Trump’s tariff actions under the April 2 executive order by providing that each day during the period from April 9, 2025 through Sept. 30, 2025, will not constitute a calendar day under the federal law pertaining to terminating national emergencies.” The vote was on the previous question. The House agreed to the rule by a vote of 217 to 212. [House Vote 93, 4/9/25; Congressional Quarterly, 4/9/25; Congressional Actions, H.Res. 313]
¶ March 2025: Edwards Voted To Protect Trump’s Tariffs
2025: Edwards Voted To Disapprove An IRS Rule That Established Reporting Requirements For Digital Asset Proceeds And To Effectively Block Votes On The Reversal Of Trump’s Tariffs. In March 2025, Edwards voted for, “the bill that would provide for Congressional disapproval of, and nullify, a December 2024 IRS rule related to gross proceeds reporting by brokers involved in digital asset sales. The rule imposed reporting requirements, beginning in 2027, on non-custodial barkers who participate in the decentralized digital asset market. It also required brokers to file information returns and provide payee statements reporting gross proceeds from certain digital asset sales and transactions.” The vote was on passage. The House passed the bill by a vote of 292 to 132. [House Vote 71, 3/11/25; Congressional Quarterly, 3/11/25; Congressional Actions, H.J. Res. 25]
- The Bill Effectively Blocked The House From Voting To Reverse Trump’s Tariffs On Mexico, Canada, And China For The Next Year. According to the New York Times, “Republican leaders on Tuesday slipped language into a procedural measure that would prevent any resolution to end the tariffs on Mexico, Canada and China from receiving a vote this year. It passed on party lines as part of a resolution that cleared the way for a vote later Tuesday on a government spending bill needed to prevent a shutdown at the end of the week.” [New York Times, 3/11/25]
- The Bill Nullified A Law That Would Allow The House And Senate To End A Disaster Declared By The President. According to the New York Times, “In this case, Republican leaders did so using a particularly unusual contortion: They essentially declared the rest of the year one long day, nullifying a law that allows the House and Senate to jointly put an end to a disaster declared by the president.” [New York Times, 3/11/25]
- The National Emergencies Act Required Consideration Of Resolutions Ending A Presidentially Declared Emergency Within Fifteen Calendar Days But Republican Leadership Included A Measure In The Bill Declaring The Rest Of The Year Did Not Constitute A Calendar Day. According to the New York Times, “The national emergency law lays out a fast-track process for Congress to consider a resolution ending a presidential emergency, requiring committee consideration within 15 calendar days after one is introduced and a floor vote within three days after that. But the language House Republicans inserted in their measure on Tuesday declared that, ‘Each day for the remainder of the 119th Congress shall not constitute a calendar day’ for the purposes of the emergency that Mr. Trump declared on Feb. 1.” [New York Times, 3/11/25]
¶ tariffs were raising prices on north carolinians and hurting farmers
HEADLINE: "Trump's Tariffs Could Disrupt WNC's Housing And Tourism, Experts Warn" [ABC 13 News, 4/2/25]
HEADLINE: "Rising Food Prices, Tariffs Forcing Customers In Asheville To Eat The Added Costs" [Asheville Citizen-Times, 8/14/25]
Beverage Company Owner Said Tariffs Significantly Increased Their Costs. According to ABC 13 News, "Small business owners across the mountains say they’re cautiously optimistic after learning they can now apply for tariff refunds from the federal government, though many aren’t expecting quick payouts. Benjamin Colvin, founder and CEO of Devil’s Foot Beverage Co., said tariffs have significantly increased his business's costs, as it imports aluminum cans and lids from China. ‘Eight to 9 cents a can,’ Colvin said of his pre-tariff costs. ‘But now, like 11, 12 cents a can.’ Colvin said the company has paid tens of thousands of dollars in related fees. While he welcomed news that U.S. Customs and Border Protection has opened a refund portal, he remains skeptical." [ABC 13 News, 4/20/26]
Asheville Small Business Owner Said They Had Paid More Than $170,000 In Tariffs. According to ABC 13 News, "Other small business owners in Asheville, though, have paid China tariffs directly and are applying for refunds. ‘We were charged tariffs since February of last year,’ said Erik Fabian, the founder of DoughBed. Fabian said his company has paid more than $170,000 in tariffs for his sourdough home-baker products manufactured in China. ‘I’m still skeptical whether we will see this or how much. I feel things change every day,’ Fabian said. Fabian said he has already opened a refund account but described the process as cumbersome." [ABC 13 News, 4/20/26]
¶ Tariffs Were Devastating For North Carolina Farmers
HEADLINE: "Tariffs Could Wipe Out Nearly A Third Of NC Farm Income, New Report Says" [NC Newsline, 1/16/26]
HEADLINE: "Farmers Say Tariffs Are Raising Prices You’ll Eventually Pay" [News 2 (WFMY), 1/14/26]
As A Result Of Tariffs, North Carolina Farmers Were Paying More For Equipment And Other Inputs Than They Were Earning From Crop Sales. According to Axios Raleigh, "North Carolina farmers are grappling with renewed uncertainty after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down many of the Trump administration's sweeping global tariffs. Why it matters: North Carolina farmers of soybean and corn, the state's two biggest crops by acreage, are stuck in a cost-price squeeze that has been elevated by tariffs, said Charles Hall, the executive director of the N.C. Soybean Producers Association. In other words, farmers are paying more for equipment and other inputs — in part because of tariffs — than they're earning from crop sales. ‘There's probably even less clarity now than there was before’ on tariffs, Hall told Axios." [Axios Raleigh, 2/26/26]
HEADLINE: "NC Farmers, Food Sellers Warn That Tariffs Are Spiking Thanksgiving Dinner Prices" [WUNC News, 11/25/25]
A Report From The John Locke Foundation Found That Trump’s Tariffs Could Lead To Nearly $700 Million In Losses And 8,000 Jobs Affected In North Carolina’s Agricultural Sector. According to The Carolina Journal, “A new report out this week examines the potential economic effects of tariffs implemented during the Trump administration, estimating they could lead to nearly $700 million in losses and approximately 8,000 jobs affected in North Carolina’s agricultural sector, the state’s largest industry, which contributes $111.1 billion annually to the economy. The report, ‘How Tariffs Threaten North Carolina Agriculture‘ from Carolina Journal’s publishing organization, the John Locke Foundation, found potential losses of up to $695 million to the state’s farming industry, representing approximately one-third of the average net farm income in the state, says the press release out on Monday. Economic losses in the state resulting from trade policy retaliation have the potential to exceed $1.9 billion, or 2% of the state’s GDP.” [Carolina Journal, 1/13/26]
- The Report Determined That Major North Carlina Commodities, Such As Soybeans, Corn, And Wheat, Were At Risk Due To The Uncertainty Caused By Trump’s Trade Agenda. According to The Carolina Journal, “Additionally, the report analyzes major NC commodities (soybeans, corn, and wheat) that would be at risk if retaliatory trade policies were implemented. In terms of annual production value, all are essential commodities to the states, with significant export values and major exports to countries that could retaliate against the US in response to recent changes in trade policy. They are also commodities for which a high dollar value of North Carolina production is exported. These are the commodities most at risk from the rapidly evolving and uncertain future world trade policies. ‘They are all important agricultural commodities to the state in terms of annual production value, they have a significant dollar value of exports, they feature major exports to countries that have or might plausibly retaliate against the U.S. in response to the recent changes in its trade policy, ‘and they are commodities for which a high dollar value of North Carolina production is exported. These are the commodities most at risk from the rapidly evolving and uncertain future world trade policies,’ according to the report.” [Carolina Journal, 1/13/26]
- Tobacco, Sweet Potatoes, Cotton And Pork Were Other North Carolina Commodities At Risk Due To Trump’s Trade Agenda. According to The Carolina Journal, “Tobacco and sweet potatoes are two of the largest crops in North Carolina. Prices dropped 5-10 cents per pound for American tobacco when China stopped buying American tobacco between 2019 and 2020. This resulted in a loss of approximately $30 million to NC tobacco growers, or a 5% reduction in normal gross sales. The most recent upheaval for sweet potato farmers occurred in 2019, following a poor crop in 2018, which left few US sweet potatoes available for export. […] This resulted in a price drop of approximately 10%. With annual production exceeding $300 million in an average year, NC sweet potato farmers could easily lose upwards of $30 million if export markets were lost. For cotton growers, if China and Mexico retaliate and purchase 10% less from the United States, prices are expected to drop by 60%, according to the report. As recently as 2009 and 2001, prices have dropped below 40 cents per pound. Based on academic analyses, pork is one of North Carolina’s largest commodities, resulting in a conservative estimate of $430 million in losses for pork producers. Additionally, cotton growers could lose $125 million, tobacco growers could lose $90 million, and sweet potato growers could lose nearly $50 million.” [Carolina Journal, 1/13/26]
¶ North Carolina Businesses Were Closing And Laying Off Workers As A Result Of The Uncertain Economic Environment Caused By Trump’s Tariffs
A Historic Yarn Manufacturer In Gastonia Shut Down And Laid Of Over 70 Workers, Citing A Decline In The Businesses’ “Economic Environment.” According to The Charlotte Observer, “Parkdale Mills, an historic yarn manufacturer based in Gastonia, is shutting down a facility in Stokes County and laying off over 70 people. The century-old manufacturer filed a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act (WARN) report on Jan. 13, notifying the state and employees that its factory in Walnut Cove will close on March 13. Walnut Cove is about 100 miles north of Charlotte. Due to the closure, 72 people will be laid off. In the report, Parkdale Mills said the mill closure and layoffs are due to increasing energy costs that have led to a decline in its ‘economic environment,’ creating an ‘unsustainable business model.’” [Charlotte Observer, 1/23/26]
A Furniture Manufacturer In Catawba County Closed And Laid Off Nearly 300 Workers Due To A “Significant Reduction In Business” Caused By Trump’s Tariffs. According to The Charlotte Observer, “Nearly 300 people were laid off in Catawba County after a furniture manufacturer shuttered its doors before the new year. And soon, several furniture stores in Charlotte tied to the company’s parent company will close due to declining sales, tariffs and the housing market. Kroehler Furniture Co. gave its 275 employees and the state just two days notice that it was closing its plant in Conover, effective Dec. 31. A Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act (WARN) was filed on Dec. 29 with the North Carolina Department of Commerce. […] American Signature has also been a long-standing furniture retailer, operating for more than 75 years. The retailer had more than 120 stores in 17 states with about 3,000 employees. But between 2023 and last year, American Signature reported a combined net operating loss of $106 million. With the largest portion of the loss, $70 million, occurring last year. American Signature cited three issues: declining sales, a slow housing market and new tariff policies implemented by President Donald Trump, according to the bankruptcy filing.” [Charlotte Observer, 1/14/26]
A Charlotte-Based Door And Window Manufacturer Laid Off 850 Employees Across Its North American Operations And Cited Price-Cost Pressures Due To Trump’s Tariffs As A Reason For The Layoffs. According to The Charlotte Observer, “JELD-WEN, the Charlotte-based door and window manufacturer, will lay off 850 employees across its North American operations. The company announced the layoffs Tuesday after reporting a $378 million net operating loss in its third quarter earnings report, according to a news release. Across North America and Europe, JELD-WEN employees about 16,000 people. The layoffs represent an 11% reduction in its North American and corporate workforce. It’s unclear where these cuts will occur or when. JELD-WEN’s headquarters is in southwest Charlotte, and it has 279 employees in the city. […] Christensen said the third-quarter results were due to ‘persistent market headwinds and price-cost pressures.’ That looks like inflation on labor and material costs along with tariff price increase, according to the earnings call. JELD-WEN estimated that it will see a $45 million annualized impact of tariffs on the business, with about $17 million expected to be seen in this year’s results.” [Charlotte Observer, 11/5/25]