The US House of Representatives voted on Wednesday to reject former President Donald Trump’s tariffs on Canadian goods, delivering a rare rebuke of one of his signature economic policies despite his last-minute political threats.
The measure, introduced by Democrats, passed 219-211, with six Republicans joining the opposition. While largely symbolic, the vote signals growing congressional frustration with Trump’s unilateral trade actions.
Trump had warned Republicans of election consequences if they voted against his tariffs. On Truth Social, he posted:
“Any Republican, in the House or the Senate, that votes against TARIFFS will seriously suffer the consequences come Election time… no Republican should be responsible for destroying this privilege.”
The House measure alone cannot end the tariffs, as any action requires approval by the Senate and the president’s signature. Even if passed, Trump is expected to veto such legislation, and Congress would face a steep challenge to override it with a two-thirds majority.
The vote follows the expiration of a House prohibition that had previously blocked debate on Trump’s tariffs. Attempts by House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Trump ally, to renew the restriction failed, with three Republicans joining Democrats to oppose the move.
Several Republican lawmakers, including Don Bacon, argued that tariffs represent a tax on American consumers and that Congress should exercise oversight rather than outsourcing trade policy to the president.
Since returning to office early last year, Trump has imposed multiple tariffs on Canadian products, citing national emergency powers. While broad exemptions under the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) have softened the impact—particularly on energy and other critical imports—tariffs on autos, steel, and aluminum have significantly affected Canadian trade.
Legal challenges to Trump’s tariffs continue, with the Supreme Court expected to rule on their constitutionality. Public opinion appears critical: a Pew Research Center survey released this month found that 60% of Americans disapprove of the higher tariffs.
The vote underscores the tension between Trump’s aggressive trade policies and Congress’s constitutional authority over commerce, signaling potential friction in the months ahead.
