GOP Rep. Greg Steube on Trump’s Trade War: A Congressional Perspective
Since former President Donald Trump launched his aggressive trade agenda in 2018, the policy has remained a flashpoint in American politics. Among the most vocal Republican voices in Congress is Representative Greg Steube of Florida’s 17th district. A former Navy SEAL and a staunch advocate for Florida’s agricultural and tourism sectors, Steube has consistently framed the trade war as both an economic imperative and a political litmus test for the GOP.
Steube’s Core Arguments
- Protecting American Jobs: Steube argues that tariffs on China, the European Union, and other strategic partners are essential for safeguarding manufacturing and agricultural jobs in his district. He frequently cites the U.S. International Trade Commission reports indicating that tariff measures have prevented the loss of thousands of Florida‑based jobs.
- Fairness in Global Competition: The representative emphasizes that Chinese state subsidies and intellectual‑property theft create an uneven playing field. In a 2022 floor speech, Steube warned that “without decisive action, American innovators will be out‑priced and out‑produced.”
- National Security: Drawing on his military background, Steube links trade policy to national security, asserting that reliance on foreign supply chains for critical components—such as semiconductors—poses a strategic vulnerability.
Legislative Actions and Committee Work
As a member of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, Steube has co‑authored several pieces of legislation that reinforce Trump’s trade strategy. Notably, the American Supply Chain Resilience Act (2021) sought to incentivize domestic production of essential goods through tax credits and expedited permitting. While the bill stalled in the Senate, it demonstrated Steube’s commitment to embedding trade policy within broader economic legislation.
In addition, Steube supported the Trade Enforcement and Modernization Act of 2022, which expanded the Department of Commerce’s authority to investigate unfair trade practices and imposed higher penalties for violations. He has praised the act as “a critical tool for holding rogue nations accountable and protecting American workers.”
Political Calculus
Steube’s stance on the trade war is also deeply intertwined with his electoral strategy. Florida’s 17th district includes a mix of citrus growers, aerospace manufacturers, and a growing Latino electorate. By championing tariffs on goods that compete directly with local industries—such as imported citrus and aerospace parts—Steube positions himself as a defender of his constituents’ livelihoods.
However, the representative is careful to balance protectionism with the concerns of Florida’s tourism sector, which relies heavily on international visitors. He has advocated for targeted tariffs rather than blanket measures, arguing that “a nuanced approach preserves our economic diversity while still sending a strong message to unfair trade partners.”
Criticism and Counterpoints
Opponents, including several Florida business groups, argue that Steube’s tariff support has raised input costs for manufacturers and contributed to higher consumer prices. The Florida Chamber of Commerce released a 2023 report indicating that tariffs on steel and aluminum increased construction costs by an average of 7 percent.
Steube acknowledges these concerns but contends that the short‑term price impact is outweighed by the long‑term benefits of a robust domestic supply chain. He frequently cites the U.S. Department of Labor data showing a modest rise in manufacturing wages in districts where tariffs were most heavily applied.
Looking Ahead
As the Biden administration shifts toward a multilateral approach to trade, Steube remains a steadfast advocate for maintaining a firm stance against perceived unfair practices. In a recent interview with Fox Business, he warned that “if we abandon the leverage we built under the Trump administration, we risk ceding critical economic ground to adversaries.”
Steube’s future actions will likely focus on two fronts: strengthening legislative tools to enforce trade rules and promoting bipartisan measures that address supply‑chain resilience without compromising consumer affordability. Whether his vision aligns with the evolving trade agenda of the White House remains an open question, but his influence in the House Energy and Commerce Committee ensures that the debate over Trump’s trade war will continue to shape policy discussions for years to come.
