Appearing on CNN, Republican Senator John Kennedy of Louisiana tackled the ongoing U.S.-China trade tensions, domestic economic concerns, and the challenges of passing a comprehensive legislative package that includes tax cuts, border security, and other key Republican priorities.

Louisiana, which exported over $10 billion worth of goods to China last year—more than to any other country—has a lot at stake. When asked about the potential impact of the trade war on jobs in his state, Kennedy downplayed predictions of economic collapse, saying, “I see a lot of uncertainty, and I think to some extent it’s intentional.” He suggested the Biden administration’s mixed messaging on tariffs and economic policy may be a deliberate part of its negotiating strategy. “Either it’s intentional, or these folks aren’t competent to manage a food truck,” he said.

The Senator emphasized the importance of focusing not just on tariffs but on practical, everyday issues affecting Americans. “The price of eggs is concrete,” Kennedy stated, advocating for tax reform, deregulation, and spending cuts to help reduce inflation.

On the broader legislative front, Kennedy discussed the “big, beautiful bill” that includes tax cuts and border security, which recently passed the House framework. While Senator Lindsey Graham is pushing for completion by Memorial Day, Kennedy was less optimistic about the process. “It’ll be like herding butterflies,” he quipped. “We’ll end up having to go to the President and say, ‘Mr. President, arbitrate this.’”

Kennedy acknowledged that President Trump has not clearly explained the rationale behind the tariffs to the American public, though he believes it may be a calculated move. “I think I know what’s in the President’s heart, but I don’t know what’s in his head,” Kennedy said. “The administration has not given one clear rationale for its tariffs… My guess is it’s part of the President’s negotiating strategy.”

Closing the interview with a signature Kennedy-ism, the Senator summarized Trump’s bold approach: “If you’re going to be a bear, be a grizzly.”

As the economic landscape continues to shift and Congress gears up for high-stakes negotiations, Kennedy’s remarks shed light on the strategic, and often unpredictable, nature of Washington policy-making.