¶ Overview
- McGuire said he “totally supports” Trump’s tariffs and claimed they were working to bring businesses back to the U.S. Then, he voted six times to protect the tariffs, including in April 2025 when he was the deciding vote to protect them, dooming Virginia families who relied on him to a trade war and tanking Virginia’s economic growth in 2025. Tariffs are contributing to higher food prices, “mega-layoffs” across the country and amounted to a $1,000 tax increase on Americans.
¶ McGuire Supported Trump’s Tariffs That Were Crippling Virginia’s Economy
¶ McGuire Has Repeatedly Voted To Protect Trump’s Tariffs
¶ February 2026: McGuire Voted To Protect Trump’s Tariffs
2026: McGuire Effectively Voted Against Terminating Tariffs On Canada. In February 2026, McGuire 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: McGuire Effectively Voted To Block Floor Votes On Terminating Tariffs Enacted Through Trump’s 2025 Executive Orders. In February 2026, McGuire 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: McGuire Voted Again To Protect Trump’s Tariffs
2025: McGuire Effectively Voted For A Procedural Trick To Block Votes On The Reversal Of Trump’s Tariffs Through March 2026. In September 2025, McGuire 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: McGuire Cast The Deciding Vote To Protect Trump’s Tariffs
2025: McGuire Cast The Deciding Vote For A Procedural Trick To Block Votes On The Reversal Of Trump’s Tariffs Through September 2025. In April 2025, McGuire 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: McGuire Voted To Protect Trump’s Tariffs
2025: McGuire Effectively Voted For A Procedural Trick To Block Votes On The Reversal Of Trump’s Tariffs Through September 2025. In April 2025, McGuire 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: McGuire Voted To Protect Trump’s Tariffs
2025: McGuire 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, McGuire 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]
¶ McGuire Claimed Trump’s Tariffs Were “Working” And Helping Bring Businesses To The U.S.
VIDEO: McGuire Claimed Trump’s Tariffs Were “Working” And That Trump Was Doing “Some Really Good Stuff” For The Country. In an interview on the I Love CVille Show, Rep. John McGuire said, “REPORTER: So, on the record here, in an interview that’s going to live on the Internet in perpetuity here: there’s no fear, as a Republican congressman, of backlash from the president if you choose to step out of party lines? MCGUIRE: I don’t think so. I mean, I gotta do what’s right. Now, I will say this, it’s overall strategy. What he’s doing is working. He’s basically bringing down gas prices, he’s working on affordability, working on unemployment, he’s negotiated eight peace treaties, so to speak. Eight conflicts have ended in eight or nine months. So, overall, he’s doing some really good stuff.” [I Love CVille Show, 2/17/26] (video)
May 2025: McGuire Claimed Trump’s Tariffs Were Forcing Countries To Negotiate With The U.S., Resulting In Better Trade Deals For The U.S. According to 29 News WVIR, “One caller asked the Congressman what the point is of all these tariff hikes. ‘Last year zero countries came to the table to negotiate, now 90 countries are coming to the table trying to eliminate their tariffs on American goods and services,’ McGuire responded.” [29 News WVIR, 5/6/25]
April 2025: McGuire Claimed Trump’s Tariffs Were Helping Bring Businesses Back To The U.S. According to CBS 19 News, “Fifth District Congressman John McGuire defended Trump’s approach, arguing that tariffs are helping bring businesses back to the United States. ‘President Trump's decisions are unorthodox, but they're bringing manufacturing and supply chains back to the U.S.,’ McGuire said. ‘It's been unfair trade with a huge trade deficit, and many, many countries have taken advantage of us for far too long. If you travel around the 5th Congressional District — there's 24 counties, cities and towns, almost 800,000 people — and I've seen empty warehouses and empty factories.’” [CBS 19 News, 4/10/25]
- McGuire Said He “Totally Supports” Trump’s “America First” Agenda And Claimed The Tariffs Were “Working.” According to 29 News WVIR, “The political realities of the White House’s tariff decisions continue to stir the waters in Washington D.C., the world, and Virginia. President Trump is pausing his tariffs, besides China, but will still have a 10% tax on other countries. […] 5th District Representative John McGuire sees it differently. ‘Well, I guess if you do what you always did, you’ll get what you always got,’ said McGuire. ‘I totally support President Trump’s ‘America First’ agenda.’ The first-term Republican says the tariffs are a stance against countries that have taken advantage of America for far too long. ‘The tariffs are unorthodox in the way that we’re doing them, but they are working,’ said McGuire.” [29 News WVIR, 4/10/25]
¶ Trump’s Tariffs Were Causing “Mega-Layoffs” Across The Country And Crippled Virginia’s Economy
October 2025: Employers Cut 153,000 Jobs In A Series Of “Mega-Layoffs.” According to The Washington Post, “U.S. employers have announced 1.1 million layoffs so far this year — the largest reading since the pandemic recession and on par with 2008 and 2009 job cuts during the Great Recession, the firm’s figures show. The data includes a recent spate of layoffs at major companies such as UPS, Amazon and Target, and adds to growing concern about a labor market slowdown. Employers cited cost-cutting and artificial intelligence as the top two reasons for job reductions in October. ‘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.’” [Washington Post, 11/6/25]
- Trump’s Tariffs Were One Of The Reasons For The Increase In Layoffs. According to The Washington Post, “The spike in October layoffs, up 175 percent from a year ago, runs counter to recent trends, Challenger said. Although companies have typically avoided announcing job cuts at the end of the year, that seems to be changing this year as firms face new financial pressures and uncertainty from tariffs, federal funding cuts and emerging technologies.” [Washington Post, 11/6/25]
ODU Economist Bob McNab Said Trump’s Tariffs Were “Undoubtably” To Blame For A Decrease In Virginia’s Economic Growth In 2025. According to The Virgnian-Pilot, “Economists at Old Dominion University’s Dragas Center for Economic Analysis and Policy warned one year ago that policies from President Donald Trump’s administration could kneecap the economy. A year later, those same economists say the warning has come true for Virginia and Hampton Roads. In 2025, federal and private sector jobs disappeared, tariffs have adversely impacted Port of Virginia traffic and international migration has declined. ‘Undoubtedly, Virginia’s economic growth was lower in 2025 due to reductions in federal civilian employment, higher tariffs and policy uncertainty,’ ODU economist Bob McNab said at an economic forecast discussion held Wednesday.” [Virginian-Pilot, 1/29/26]
- ODU Economist Vinod Agarwal Also Blamed Trump’s Tariffs For A Drop In Units That Were Moved Through The Port Of Virginia. According to The Virginian-Pilot, “Trump tariffs also negatively impacted traffic at the Port of Virginia, fellow ODU economist Vinod Agarwal said. The total number of 20-foot equivalent units that moved through the port fell around 8.1% in 2025, to about 3.24 million TEUs, when compared to the same point in 2024, according to the most recent Port of Virginia shipping data. ‘2025 was not a good year for the Port of Virginia, regardless of which way you look at it,’ Agarwal said. Pending action from the U.S. Supreme Court, Agarwal said tariff costs would eventually begin to be passed on to consumers. So far, many companies have decreased profit margins rather than raise prices, but Agarwal said that strategy was not sustainable in the long term.” [Virginian-Pilot, 1/29/26]
According To Virginia Manufacturing Consulting Agency Genedge, Trump’s Tariffs Were Disrupting Business Supply Chains, Increasing Business Operational Costs And Causing Job Loss Across The State. According to Genedge, “For manufacturers in Virginia, the ripple effects of tariffs are more than just a headline. They’re affecting everything from production costs to global supply chains. Whether you’re a small or mid-sized business, understanding how tariffs work and embracing supplier diversity can be crucial for your company’s resilience and long-term success. […] Virginia manufacturers are experiencing a range of challenges due to these tariffs: Increased Costs: Imported raw materials and components are becoming more expensive. For instance, tariffs on steel and aluminum have led to higher prices for manufacturers in industries like automotive and construction. Supply Chain Disruptions: Businesses that rely on international suppliers are facing delays and uncertainties. The Port of Virginia, a crucial gateway for trade, is seeing reduced volumes as tariffs dampen international trade flows. Job Cuts: Companies like Volvo are laying off workers at their Virginia facilities due to declining demand and increased costs associated with tariffs. Economic Uncertainty: The broader economic environment is becoming unpredictable, making it harder for manufacturers to plan for the future.” [Genedge, Viewed 2/19/26]
April 2025: Volvo Laid Off Employees At A Facility In Dublin, Virginia Due To The Uncertainty Caused By Trump’s Tariffs. According to Reuters, “Volvo Group plans to lay off as many as 800 workers at three U.S. facilities over the next three months due to market uncertainty and demand concerns in the face of President Donald Trump's tariffs, a spokesperson said on Friday. Volvo Group North America said in a statement it has told employees it plans to lay off 550-800 people at its Mack Trucks site in Macungie, Pennsylvania, and two Volvo Group facilities in Dublin, Virginia, and Hagerstown, Maryland. […] Trump has upended the global trading system that has been in place for over 75 years with a plan for tariffs on products from across the world. His vacillating trade policy has undermined consumer and business confidence, and caused economists to raise their forecasts for a U.S. recession. Volvo Group's lay-offs are the latest response from a car and truck industry that is reeling from the Republican president's tariffs on certain parts, which is expected to increase the cost of manufacturing vehicles.” [Reuters, 4/18/25]
Virginia’s International Exports Fell Sharply In The First Three Months Of 2025 Due To Trump’s Tariffs And U.S. Threats To Trade Partners. According to the Virginia Center for Investigative Journalism, “Amid rising tariffs and U.S. threats to its trade partners, Virginia’s international exports fell sharply while imports rose in the first three months of the year. The value of the state’s exports fell by 12.5% compared to the same period in 2024, the largest drop in the last decade, falling from $5.7 billion to $5 billion. Exports to Canada, the state’s largest trading partner, fell 5%, according to the most recent data from the International Trade Administration. At the same time, imports grew 14% as companies boosted inventory in anticipation of rising tariffs. This shot up Virginia’s trade deficit by more than $5 billion. At the same period last year, the trade deficit stood at $3 billion.” [Virginia Center for Investigative Journalism, 6/5/25]
- Virginia’s Agricultural Industry Was Particularly Hard Hit By The Tariffs. According to the Virginia Center for Investigative Journalism, “Amid rising tariffs and U.S. threats to its trade partners, Virginia’s international exports fell sharply while imports rose in the first three months of the year. The value of the state’s exports fell by 12.5% compared to the same period in 2024, the largest drop in the last decade, falling from $5.7 billion to $5 billion. Exports to Canada, the state’s largest trading partner, fell 5%, according to the most recent data from the International Trade Administration. […] The decline in exports has been most dramatic in agricultural production. Agriculture is the state’s largest private-sector employer with nearly 400,000 jobs, according to the Department of Agriculture. In the first quarter of this year, Virginia exported 36% less oilseeds, primarily soybeans and peanuts, than it did in the same period in 2024. Soybeans are the most popular crop produced and sent abroad from Virginia. The value of other agricultural exports, including cattle and meat products, and fruit and tree nuts, also dropped 21% year-over-year. Underlining the export trend in the last quarter is the decline in Virginia’s exports to its top trading partners—Canada, China, Mexico, Germany, and India. All but Germany and Mexico imported fewer Virginia-made goods when compared year-over-year. Together, these countries account for more than one-third of the state’s total export value.” [Virginia Center for Investigative Journalism, 6/5/25]
According To Trade Partnership Worldwide, Trump’s Tariffs Were Estimated To Cost Virginia More Than $2.1 Billion Annually. According to Axios, “President Trump imposed sweeping tariffs Tuesday on America's largest trading partners. Why it matters: The tariffs could cost Virginia more than $2.1 billion annually, per estimates from Trade Partnership Worldwide, an economic research firm. They threaten to raise prices of everything from food and clothes to cars and computers.” [Axios, 3/5/25]
- Trump’s Tariffs Were Expected To Increase The Cost Of Medical Supplies. According to the Richmond Times-Dispatch, “Layne, a former Virginia secretary of finance and transportation under two Virginia governors, also faces another potential consequence of tariffs in his job as executive vice president and chief administrative officer at Sentara Health, based in Norfolk. The health care organization spends about $1.6 billion a year on medical supplies for hospitals and health care facilities in Hampton Roads and other parts of Virginia. About 3% of those purchases come from the companies subject to Trump's threatened tariffs. ‘It could be a $40 million to $50 million hit to us,’ Layne said Monday.” [Richmond Times-Dispatch, 2/3/25]