The US Senate on Wednesday approved a resolution to block President Donald Trump’s emergency tariffs on Canada, with a narrow 51-48 vote signalling bipartisan concern over the economic consequences of his trade war. Four Republicans—Rand Paul, Susan Collins, Lisa Murkowski, and Mitch McConnell—joined Democrats in backing the measure, which aims to revoke Trump’s use of emergency powers under the International Economic Emergency Powers Act, the New York Times reported.
Senators call emergency justification 'made-up'
The resolution challenges Trump’s February executive order that cited fentanyl trafficking from Canada as a national security threat and imposed 25% tariffs. Critics, including Senator Tim Kaine of Virginia, dismissed the claim as a “made-up emergency,” arguing that the primary fentanyl threat comes from Mexico and China. Customs data shows that just 19 kilograms of fentanyl were seized at the Canadian border last year, compared to nearly 9,600 kilograms at the southern border.
GOP lawmakers break ranks, warn of economic fallout
US Senator Rand Paul said the tariffs would raise prices and harm the economy, calling them “a terrible mistake.” Senator Collins warned that the measures would hurt Maine’s lobster industry and shift the burden to US consumers. Still, Senate Majority Leader John Thune defended the tariffs, insisting fentanyl production in Canada was increasing and required a strong response.
Trump pressures Republicans to oppose the measure
Trump lobbied Republicans to oppose the resolution, using social media to name and shame the four GOP defectors, accusing them of aiding “Radical Left Democrats and Drug Cartels.” Despite the pressure, the resolution passed and now moves to the House, where Republican leaders are expected to block it.
House Democrats look for workarounds
With House Republicans unlikely to bring the resolution to a vote, Democrats are exploring alternative routes. Representative Gregory Meeks announced plans to introduce a privileged resolution to challenge Trump’s broader tariff package announced Wednesday.
The Senate vote, coming just hours after Trump announced sweeping tariffs on over 100 trading partners, underscores growing discomfort within both parties over the administration’s aggressive trade policies and expansive use of executive power.
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