¶ Overview
- Murphy praised Trump’s tariffs, claiming they were “huge” and the way to get “results.” Murphy even acknowledged the tariffs were “tough medicine” for North Carolina small businesses and would results in a “short-term rise in some prices,” but defended the tariffs anyway. Then, he voted four times to protect the tariffs, including in April 2025 when he was the deciding vote to protect them, dooming North Carolina families who relied on him to a trade war and crippling the North Carolina agriculture industry. Tariffs are contributing to higher food prices, “mega-layoffs” across the country, and amounted to a $1,000 tax increase on Americans.
¶ Murphy Was The Deciding Vote To Protect Trump’s Tariffs That Were Raising Prices On North Carolinians
¶ Murphy repeatedly voted to protect trump’s tariffs
¶ September 2025: Murphy Voted To Protect Trump’s Tariffs
2025: Murphy Effectively Voted For A Procedural Trick To Block Votes On The Reversal Of Trump’s Tariffs Through March 2026. In September 2025, Murphy 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: Murphy Cast The Deciding Vote To Protect Trump’s Tariffs
2025: Murphy Cast The Deciding Vote For A Procedural Trick To Block Votes On The Reversal Of Trump’s Tariffs Through September 2025. In April 2025, Murphy 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: Murphy Voted To Protect Trump’s Tariffs
2025: Murphy Effectively Voted For A Procedural Trick To Block Votes On The Reversal Of Trump’s Tariffs Through September 2025. In April 2025, Murphy voted for, “motion to order the previous question (thus ending debate and possibility of amendment) on 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 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: Murphy Voted To Protect Trump’s Tariffs
2025: Murphy 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, Murphy 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 brokers 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]
¶ Murphy Applauded Trump’s Use Of Tariffs
March 2025: Murphy Defended Trump’s Tariffs And Claimed They Were Delivering Positive Results For The Country. Rep. Greg Murphy tweeted, “One of my duties being on Ways and Means is to serve on the trade subcommittee. We had an excellent meeting with Trade Ambassador Greer this morning, discussing trade in the United States and how we best can help American producers and American farmers export their goods to other countries. Sadly enough, during the last pandemic we saw that we really didn’t do anything on trade. We didn’t nearshore, we didn’t onshore, so many things that should have happened during the last four years, the Biden administration was really asleep at the wheel on trade. President Trump has come in and notices that we have had so many other countries across the world- India, Southeast Asia, even our European allies, Mexico, Canada, that have been very unfair against the United States’ producer in regards to tariffs, and unfair trade practices. So this is why President Trump has come out with tariffs. We have a reciprocal tariff policy which he’s going to institute that says look, if you’re country is saying 25 percent tariffs against American goods, well we’re going to put 25% tariffs against your goods. The good thing is other countries are now listening. It’s tough. You’ve gotta carry a big stick, but this is what gets results.” [Twitter, @RepGregMurphy, 3/27/25] (video)
March 2025: Murphy Claimed Trump’s Trade Agenda Was Helping The U.S. Get Out Of “Unfair Trade Relationships.” Rep. Greg Murphy tweeted, “For far too long, our economy has been held hostage by unfair trade relationships, making our country vulnerable to our greatest adversaries. @WaysandMeansGOP had a hearing on how we can work with President Trump on trade agreements that support American workers' best interests” [Twitter, @RepGregMurphy, 3/25/25]
Murphy Claimed The “Immense Pressure” Trump’s Trade Policies Were Applying To U.S. Manufacturers Was Essential For Eliminating The Country’s Reliance On Chinese Goods. According to an opinion by Rep. Greg Murphy published in Newsweek, “Prosperity for some Americans cannot come at the expense of others, and for too long the decline of our manufacturing towns has been tolerated as long as the stock market has gone up. China has for decades employed malicious trade practices that undermine the United States, our industrial capacity, and our intellectual property. American companies cannot compete fairly as long as Beijing subsidizes state-owned enterprises, forces technology transfer, and commits outright theft of intellectual property. President Trump is applying immense pressure to restructure our economy at a pivotal and opportune moment. Investment is fleeing China, the American public supports targeted action, and he doesn't have to worry about reelection, only America's well-being. The continued strength of the American economy in the 21st century will depend on defending our interests and thwarting Beijing's hegemonic behavior.” [Rep. Greg Muphy Opinion – Newsweek, 5/1/25]
Murphy Claimed That Trump’s Tariffs Were Good For US National Security. According to an interview Rep. Greg Murphy gave on Washington Watch with Tony Perkins, “MURPHY: We want to bring a manufacturing sector back to the United States that has been killed in the last quarter century. But we also want to make sure that this nation is secure, and that we're able to produce products at home that are important for our national defense, be they pharmaceuticals, be they agricultural products, be they manufacturing items that are critical for this nation's survival. So this is also a big picture of what we're trying to do moving forward with some of these tariffs.” [Washington Watch with Tony Perkins, 4/2/25] (video)
Murphy Backed Trump’s Tariffs, Claiming They Would Be “Huge.” According to an interview Rep. Greg Murphy did on Newsmax, “MURPHY: You know, trade was, is a major issue for the United States. We've seen this with the tariffs. The Biden Administration did absolutely nothing for four years. I'm on the trade subcommittee for Ways and Means. We did absolutely nothing for four years. That's going to be huge as far as what we can do.” [Newsmax TV, The Record, 7/4/25] (video)
¶ Murphy Called Trump’s Tariffs “Tough Medicine” That North Carolina Businesses JUst Had To Suffer Through
Murphy Admitted Tariffs Were Hurting North Carolina Small Businesses, But Called It “Tough Medicine.” According to an interview Rep. Greg Murphy did with Newsmax, “HOST: But you and I have spoken before about businesses and different sectors that have been impacted by the threat of tariffs having to reset essentially how they do business. What are you hearing from those in your district about how they're dealing with all of this? Small and midsize businesses? MUPRHY: Yeah, I'm not going to say that it's not been hard for some because I've met with several. I've gone in their shops, sat down with their, you know, with their clerks or with their owners and small businesses, and sat with them and talked with them. I'm not going to say it's been easy. The sad thing is, the challenging thing is you have to look at it macroeconomically. You have to look at where we are hurdling with our debt, with our debt, and with our trade deficit. We have to do something. We have gotten drunk essentially on low, on low, cheap-priced goods from foreign countries. Many of whom have been taking advantage of our lenient import and export policies that we've done in the past. We have to do this. This is, this is parenting in a way that we have to take some really tough medicine to make sure that we have economic viability as we move forward as a nation.” [NewsNation Live, 7/15/25] (video)
Murphy Defended Trump’s Tariffs Despite Admitting, “The Methods Are Difficult.” According to an interview Rep. Greg Murphy gave on Washington Watch with Tony Perkins, “MURPHY: What President Trump has realized, sadly enough, we haven't had any action upon this, is that we've been treated very, very poorly by a lot of our trade partners, such that we have such a massive trade deficit. And so look at some of these countries, India, you know, some of the other Southeast Asia countries, countries that also put huge tariffs on American goods. He's literally trying to level the playing field. And if you look at what China is doing to us, also, so much tariff, we're not allowed to put American products in their markets. So why are they allowed to really flood our markets, trying to rebuild what's happened in America. The fact of the fall of manufacturing and so, so many other industries in the United States, this is what the aim is. The methods are difficult, sometimes, I'll be readily ready to admit, but this is what the president is aiming to do, also to try to onshore, near shore really, so much of our pharmaceutical industry, that really is critical for the nation's medicines.” [Washington Watch with Tony Perkins, 4/2/25] (video)
- April 2025: Murphy Admitted That Americans Could See A “Short-Term Rise In Some Prices,” Due To Tariffs. According to an interview Rep. Greg Murphy gave on Washington Watch with Tony Perkins, “MURPHY: So we'd love to really get to a point where these tariffs are not needed. How does it happen to the average person? There may be a rise, a short term rise in some prices until manufacturing here in the United States can kick up. Hopefully it's not. Hopefully these countries understand. We've seen pressure. We've seen things change in Mexico. We've seen things change in India. We've seen things changed in Vietnam since the…president has introduced the whole tariff idea. We want countries really to act well so we don't have to have any of this, so there is no effect on the United States.” [Washington Watch with Tony Perkins, 4/2/25] (video)
¶ Trump’s Tariffs Were Causing “Mega-Layoffs” Across The Country and Crippling North Carolina’s Agriculture Industry
October 2025: Employers Cut 153,000 Jobs In A Series Of “Mega-Layoffs.” “’We’re entering new territory with these layoffs in October,’ said John Challenger, CEO of the consulting firm that tracks job losses. ‘We haven’t seen mega-layoffs of the size that are being discussed now — 48,000 from UPS, potentially 30,000 from Amazon — since 2020 and before that, since the recession of 2009. When you see companies making cuts of this size, it does signal a real shift in direction.’ (Amazon founder Jeff Bezos owns The Washington Post.) Recent layoffs, the data shows, have been concentrated in technology, retail, service and warehousing jobs. Employers announced more than 153,000 job cuts last month, a 183 percent increase from the month before, marking the worst October for layoffs since 2003, the Challenger report said.” [Washington Post, 11/6/25]
- Bloomberg Reported Corporations Have Cited Tariffs As A Reason For Layoffs. “US companies announced the most job cuts for any October in more than two decades as artificial intelligence reshapes industries and cost-cutting accelerates, according to data from outplacement firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas Inc. … Others are focused on removing layers of management, reducing the hangover from the pandemic-fueled hiring bloat and protecting profit margins from the added costs of tariffs. While many expected increased levies to drive up prices, many employers have absorbed the price increases and instead chosen to cut costs from labor and other parts of their businesses.” [Bloomberg, 11/6/25]
Tax Foundation Found Trump’s Tariffs Amounted To A $1,000 Tax Increase On Americans In 2025 And Was Projected To Be A $1,300 Tax Increase On Americans In 2026. According to the Tax Foundation, "President Trump has imposed International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) tariffs on US trading partners, including China, Canada, Mexico, and the EU. In addition, he has threatened and imposed Section 232 tariffs on autos, heavy trucks, steel, aluminum, lumber, furniture, semiconductors, pharmaceuticals, and copper, among others. The Trump tariffs amount to an average tax increase per US household of $1,000 in 2025 and $1,300 in 2026." [Tax Foundation, 2/6/26]
¶ Report Found Tariffs Could Lead To Dramatic Losses For North Carolina’s Agricultural Sector
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]