WASHINGTON – In a strong bipartisan message, 51 U.S. Senators, including four Republicans, voted on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, to end President Donald Trump’s tariffs on Canadian goods. This marks the most significant Senate opposition to Trump’s trade policy since he returned to office earlier this year.
The vote came shortly after President Trump announced new 10% tariffs on goods from more than 60 countries, including reciprocal tariffs, escalating the ongoing global trade tensions.
What Was the Senate Voting On?
The resolution, proposed by Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Virginia), seeks to cancel an emergency order issued by President Trump in February. The order was based on claims that fentanyl was being trafficked across the northern border from Canada and was used to justify 25% tariffs on Canadian goods.
While the resolution passed the Senate, it would still need to pass the Republican-controlled House of Representatives and be signed by President Trump to take effect — which is highly unlikely. Still, the vote reflects growing discomfort across party lines.
Which Republicans Voted Against the Tariffs?
The four Republican Senators who joined Democrats were:
- Rand Paul (Kentucky)
- Mitch McConnell (Kentucky)
- Susan Collins (Maine)
- Lisa Murkowski (Alaska)
These senators have disagreed with Trump on past issues and continue to question the economic impact of tariffs.
“Every business in my state says we don’t want tariffs,” Sen. Rand Paul said. “Tariffs on Canada will hurt our economy and may cause a recession.”
Paul also warned about repeating history, referencing the Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act of the 1930s, which he says politically damaged the Republican Party for decades.
Trump Responds to GOP Critics
In a Truth Social post early Wednesday, President Trump criticized the four Republican senators and urged them to “get on the Republican bandwagon.”
Concerns Over Economic Impact
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-New York) criticized the tariffs, saying they would increase prices for average American families by more than $5,000 annually. He accused President Trump of using the revenue from tariffs to fund tax cuts for billionaires.
Sen. Elissa Slotkin (D-Michigan) compared the current business uncertainty to the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, saying businesses in her state are worried about unpredictable trade policies.
“Even Trump voters are telling me they’re concerned he’s becoming a ‘yo-yo’ on trade,” she said.
Slotkin also mentioned that many Republican lawmakers are hesitant to speak out openly against Trump due to fear of political backlash.
Republicans Defend the Tariffs Over Border Security
Most Republican senators voted against the resolution, saying the emergency order is necessary to stop fentanyl trafficking through the northern border.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-South Dakota) warned that if the U.S. focuses only on the southern border, cartels could shift operations north.
However, official numbers from Customs and Border Protection show that in 2025, less than 1.5 pounds of fentanyl have been seized at the northern border, compared to over 20,000 pounds at the southern border in 2024.