Then, on Thursday, the Senate showed real courage by voting 51-48 to defeat such tariffs on Canada. These tariffs were first instituted by former Pres. Donald Trump. This vote highlights a unique moment of bipartisan opposition to Trump’s trade policies. It took four Republican senators crossing party lines to propel the resolution forward. This latest action illustrates the growing rift within the Republican Party. Party members are now deeply divided on Trump’s aggressive strategy on international trade and its impact on the U.S. economy.
Trump first announced the tariffs on steel and aluminum during ceremony in the White House Rose Garden. They sought to stop the supposed tide of fentanyl pouring in from Canada. Senate Majority Leader John Thune sent a whip notice to Republican senators encouraging them to vote against the resolution. He made the case that the tariffs were Trump’s most important tools in fighting drug traffickers. Thune stated that “the vast majority of fentanyl in America comes from the southern border,” emphasizing the need for the tariffs despite the opposition.
In a notable display of independence, Republican senators Susan Collins, Lisa Murkowski, Mitch McConnell, and Rand Paul sided with Democrats to vote against the tariffs. Their decision illustrates the desire among some GOP members to push back against Trump’s influence, and it comes even while he continues his pressure campaign to this day. In fact, Trump blasted the offending senators on his social media platform, Truth Social. He wanted them to “jump on the Republican bandwagon” and work with him to pass his priorities.
Read Democratic Senator Tim Kaine of Virginia – the sponsor of the bill to rescind the tariffs. He made the case that Canada should not be labelled a friend or enemy. Kaine’s main point was that tariffs would make American families pay. He rightly pointed out that small businesses would be hit hard – at a moment they can least afford it. He did not mince words, declaring, “Tariffs attack the American family. Canada is not our enemy.” He preached the need to keep good faith with our fellow nations to the south.
Kaine cautioned us against the impulse to force our allies to become our adversaries. He argued we cannot force punishing costs onto American families and damage our nation’s small businesses, particularly when they can least afford it. His remarks are a reminder of the wider economic effects trade restrictions can have on regular Americans.
Notwithstanding this positive Senate vote, the bill has a long and difficult road to go. The measure is not expected to go anywhere in the Republican-controlled House. Even if it does, good ol’ Trump is all but certain to veto it anyway. This unexpected sobering scenario is a reflection of perhaps the genuine limits of GOP support for Trump’s idea of an economy defined by restricted free trade.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer stressed the American public’s rejection of Trump’s agenda. During that, he claimed, “The American people are beginning to see the true monstrosity of how bad Trump is.” Schumer’s remarks suggest that growing discontent with Trump’s policies may play a crucial role in shaping future legislative actions.
The vote illustrated the deepening turmoil inside the Republican Party. It highlighted just how the party is trying to thread a needle with Trump. The four GOP senators who defied him signaled that there may be limits to unconditional loyalty to his trade policies.