Senate Passes Resolution Against Trump's Canada Tariffs, Four Republicans Defect

The U.S. Senate approved a resolution opposing President Donald Trump’s tariffs on Canadian imports, with four Republicans joining Democrats in the vote.

In a significant show of bipartisan resistance, the Senate voted 51-48 to pass a resolution aimed at repealing the emergency declaration that allowed President Trump to impose tariffs on Canada. The resolution, spearheaded by Democratic Senator Tim Kaine of Virginia, saw support from Republican Senators Rand Paul and Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, Susan Collins of Maine, and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska. This move came shortly after Trump’s ‘Liberation Day’ event, where he championed new economic policies.

Senator Paul, a vocal critic of the tariffs, defended his cross-party vote by invoking the principle of ’taxation without representation,’ drawing parallels to the American Revolution and the Constitution’s intent to vest taxing powers solely in Congress. ‘This is a tax, plain and simple,’ Paul stated, emphasizing his commitment to constitutional principles over party loyalty.

President Trump responded sharply on Truth Social, criticizing the four Republicans for not supporting his efforts to penalize Canada for the influx of fentanyl. He accused them of playing into the hands of Democrats and drug cartels, and suggested their actions were driven by ‘Trump Derangement Syndrome.’

Despite the Senate’s action, the resolution faces a steep challenge in the Republican-controlled House and would require Trump’s signature to become law, which he has vowed not to give. The vote, however, marks a symbolic victory for Democrats and highlights internal GOP divisions as the midterms approach.

The Democratic Party, grappling with its identity post-election, used this opportunity to spotlight Republican discord. The resolution’s passage followed Trump’s announcement of ‘reciprocal tariffs’ at a ‘Make America Wealthy Again’ event, underscoring his administration’s aggressive trade stance.