In April 2025, the U.S. Senate narrowly passed a resolution, 51– 48, opposing President Donald Trump’s proposed 10% tariffs on Canadian imports.
The bipartisan rebuke saw four Republican senators—Rand Paul, Susan Collins, Mitch McConnell, and Lisa Murkowski—join Democrats in challenging the tariffs, which were enacted under a national emergency declaration using Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act.
Critics argued the tariffs strained U.S.–Canada trade ties and risked economic disruption, while supporters viewed them as a defense of American industry. The resolution, passed under the Congressional Review Act, highlighted deep divisions within the GOP and raised constitutional questions about executive power.
Although unlikely to pass the Republican-controlled House or survive a Trump veto, the Senate vote was a symbolic assertion of congressional oversight. Canada announced retaliatory tariffs, further escalating tensions.
The episode reflects growing unease—even within Trump’s party—over unilateral trade moves that could damage key domestic industries and international relationships.
