Four Republican senators joined with Democrats to pass a resolution aimed at ending tariffs on Canada, a sharp rebuke of President Donald Trump’s tariffs.
The vote, 51-48, highlights the growing unease among some lawmakers over Trump’s trade policies toward its closest ally.
The resolution, introduced by Democratic Senator Tim Kaine of Virginia, seeks to terminate Trump’s February 1 emergency declaration that allowed the White House to impose tariffs on Canadian goods.
Known as the fentanyl tariffs, they sparked retaliatory tariffs from Canada and caused diplomatic tensions between the two countries.
Four Republicans who broke ranks to support the resolution were Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, Mitch McConnell, and Rand Paul of Kentucky, and Susan Collins of Maine.
All 47 Democrats backed Kaine’s plan, resulting in the most significant bipartisan challenge to Trump during his second presidential term.
McConnell, who plans to retire next year, has occasionally opposed Trump’s policies.
Paul is a long-time critic of many tariffs and co-sponsored Kaine’s bill.
Collins and Murkowski had already shown their intention to vote in support of the resolution.
Trump had lobbied aggressively against the resolution, calling it “devastating for the Republican Party.”
On his social media platform Truth Social, Trump argued that GOP senators must support tariffs as a way to punish Canada for allowing fentanyl into the United States.
Trump’s critics say the president’s statement makes no sense, since only 43 pounds of fentanyl were seized crossing the Canadian border in 2024, compared to more than 21,000 pounds seized coming across the Mexican border.
Trump’s stance on Canada has drawn criticism from both parties.
Lawmakers and analysts note that Canada is a trusted ally and major trading partner, and harsh tariffs are unproductive.
Trump’s actions have damaged once-friendly relations between the two allies, leaving many in Congress determined to take corrective action to restore a good relationship with Canada.
Though the Senate approved Kaine’s resolution, it will most likely stall in the Republican-led House of Representatives.
Without support there, the measure would fail to become law.
Still, the Senate’s action underscores a growing willingness among Republicans to challenge Trump when they believe he has overstepped his authority.
While it may not immediately change the status quo, it sends a message that Canada, as a vital partner, should not be targeted for tariffs that risk harming both countries’ economies.