On a recent episode of MS NOW’s “The Weeknight,” Senator Ed Markey of Massachusetts shared his insights on the political landscape surrounding President Donald Trump’s new tariffs. The Democratic senator expressed skepticism that his Republican counterparts would support the continuation of these tariff policies.

During the show, co-host Alicia Menendez posed a critical question: “Senator, when those 150 days are up, and this issue comes before Congress, how do you anticipate your Republican colleagues will respond?”

Senator Markey speculated that Republicans would likely distance themselves from Trump’s tariff strategy, describing it as a “huge political loser” for the administration. He suggested that the tariffs place Republican lawmakers in a precarious position as they approach upcoming elections. Markey warned that small businesses across America, feeling the economic pinch, would demand action, metaphorically “coming with pitchforks” for those who fail to advocate for returning funds to consumers.

He emphasized the efforts of himself and fellow Senators Ron Wyden and Jeanne Shaheen to push for a Senate floor showdown. Their goal is to ensure that consumers and small businesses regain what Markey described as their rightful earnings, referencing a recent Supreme Court victory.

Follow Pam Key on X @pamkeyNEN