Four Republican and every Democratic senator vote to oppose Trump’s Canada tariffs

President Trump unveiling his 'iberation day' tariffs

The Senate passed a resolution opposing President Donald Trump’s tariffs against Canada in a 51-48 vote, with four Republican senators breaking ranks to join Democrats in the measure. The resolution came in response to Trump’s announcement of a 10 percent tariff on all nations, including a specific 25 percent tariff on Canadian goods.

The announcement led to an immediate drop in stock futures, with economists warning that the tariffs could increase prices and potentially trigger a recession. The resolution, spearheaded by Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky and Democratic Senator Tim Kaine of Virginia, aimed to prevent the tariffs from taking effect.

Republican Senators Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, Susan Collins of Maine, and Rand Paul supported the resolution, citing concerns over economic repercussions. Murkowski and Collins, representing states bordering Canada, emphasized the negative impact on local industries and cross-border relations. Paul, a libertarian, opposed government intervention in markets, while McConnell, the former Senate majority leader, warned that the tariffs would hurt American manufacturing.

Arkansas Seantor Lisa Murkowski was one of four Republicans who voted for a Democratic resolution to oppose Trump’s tariffs

“Make no mistake: goods made in America will be more expensive to manufacture and, ultimately, for consumers to purchase, with higher broad-based tariffs,” McConnell stated. He specifically highlighted the potential harm to Kentucky’s bourbon, automotive, and manufacturing industries, directly challenging Trump’s assertion that tariffs would boost American jobs.

Collins, in a floor speech, warned that tariffs on imports like fertilizer would hurt Maine’s potato growers and tourism industry. “We don’t want to discourage these Canadian tourists who are so vital to Maine’s economy from vacationing in Maine because they are so angry at what has happened,” she said.

Trump responded to Republican dissent with a post on Truth Social, accusing them of disloyalty and questioning their priorities. “Why are they allowing fentanyl to pour into our country unchecked, and without penalty? What is wrong with them, other than suffering from Trump Derangement Syndrome, commonly known as TDS,” he wrote.

Rand Paul of Kentucky, one of the four Republicans who voted to block Trump’s tariffs.

Collins countered Trump’s claim, pointing out that most fentanyl entering the U.S. comes from Mexico, not Canada.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer noted that Republican support for the resolution reflected growing dissatisfaction with Trump’s trade policies. “And once the American people say, ‘I don't want to vote for somebody who embraces Trump's policies,’ things begin to change,” Schumer said.

Other Republicans who opposed the resolution still voiced concerns about potential retaliatory measures. Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina warned about the impact on agricultural exports, while Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa expressed concern over rising costs for potash, a key fertilizer ingredient largely sourced from Canada.

Despite the Senate’s passage of the resolution, it is unlikely to advance in the House, where Speaker Mike Johnson and many House Republicans remain loyal to Trump’s agenda. Last month, the House passed a rule blocking any legislation that would repeal Trump’s tariffs on Canada, Mexico, or China.