On Wednesday, a group of six Republicans in Congress aligned with 213 Democrats to effectively repeal former President Donald Trump’s tariffs on Canada.
Even though House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-Louisiana) played down the former president’s anger about this decision, Trump appeared visibly upset on Truth Social, issuing threats against those Republicans he deemed erratic.
Background
Trump’s term began with the declaration of a national emergency at the southern border. The following month, he expanded this emergency to include a perceived drug threat at the northern border, criticizing Canada’s response. This led to a imposition of tariffs—25% on various products from Canada and 10% on oil and gas. In July, he even escalated the tariff on certain items from 25% to 35%.
Since then, dissatisfaction regarding the tariffs has surfaced among lawmakers of both parties. In October, four Republican senators supported a resolution against these tariffs.
Vote
On Wednesday evening, the House passed a resolution to end the national emergency—an action that was taken just hours after Johnson’s resolution was approved, with a narrow vote of 219-211. Some officials warned that this move could undermine the president’s power while he is negotiating trade deals.
The six Republican representatives who voted for the resolution were Thomas Massie (Kentucky), Don Bacon (Nebraska), Kevin Kiley (California), Jeff Hurd (Colorado), Brian Fitzpatrick (Pennsylvania), and Dan Newhouse (Washington).
The resolution now heads to the Senate, where it has a strong chance of passing, though it may face a potential veto from Trump, who would likely struggle to gather the two-thirds majority needed to override it.
Newhouse defended his vote, explaining that Washington State’s economy significantly relies on trade with Canada, which serves as a key export market.
In addition to economic concerns, some representatives voiced worries about rising prices. Newhouse expressed that Congress shouldn’t relinquish its constitutional authority over tariffs. Hurd reiterated that only Congress should regulate foreign commerce and not rely on broad emergency powers that could lead to unforeseen consequences.
Bacon emphasized that tariffs act as taxes on American consumers and argued that Congress shouldn’t outsource their responsibilities. Kiley remarked on the need to protect powers that should rightfully belong to government departments.
Massie, known for going against Trump’s wishes, highlighted the importance of defending the Constitution and argued that taxation powers should rest within the House, not the executive branch.
Reaction
Right after the vote, Speaker Johnson conveyed to CNN that Trump was “not upset,” insisting he understood the situation and stating that such resolutions wouldn’t alter the president’s policies. He also noted that Trump has the power to veto such measures if necessary.
In contrast, Trump took to Truth Social to vent his displeasure, warning that Republicans opposing him on tariffs may face dire consequences come election time, particularly during the primaries. He further asserted that tariffs bolster national security and fuel economic strength, urging Republicans to maintain their stand on this issue.
Trump’s frustration continued with a post criticizing Canada’s trade practices, remarking that it has, for too long, benefitted unfairly from the U.S.
“Tariffs yield victories; it’s simple. Republicans must uphold this!” he concluded.
