With President Donald Trump's so-called Liberation Day for implementing tariffs approaching, Senate Democrats are challenging Republican backing for the plan by forcing a vote to overturn the emergency declaration that justifies tariffs on Canada. Republicans have been uneasy as Trump’s trade policies have contributed to stock market declines, yet they have largely supported his fluctuating stance on imposing tariffs. While Democratic Senator Tim Kaine of Virginia introduced a resolution that could provide Republicans with a way to block tariffs on Canadian imports, party leaders were urging their members to focus instead on fentanyl trafficking from the northern border.

This situation highlights how Trump is not only reshaping global trade but also disrupting his party’s traditional support for free trade principles. I welcome the opportunity to let my Republican colleagues go beyond mere concern and take real action to stop these tariffs, Kaine told The Associated Press. Kaine’s resolution seeks to revoke the emergency declaration that Trump signed in February, which was used to justify tariffs on Canada over allegations that it was not doing enough to prevent the flow of illegal drugs into the U.S. Even if the Senate passes the resolution, it would still require approval from the Republican-controlled House.

Data shows that only a small fraction of fentanyl entering the U.S. comes from Canada. In the 2024 fiscal year, Customs and Border Protection seized 43 pounds of fentanyl at the northern border, while less than 1.5 pounds have been intercepted since January. By contrast, over 21,000 pounds were seized at the southern border last year.

Democrats warned that tariffs on Canadian goods would increase costs across the economy, affecting industries from construction to defense and raising prices on everyday essentials. These tariffs amount to a tax hike on American families—plain and simple, said Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, accusing Trump of imposing them to benefit wealthy elites. Schumer acknowledged concerns about China’s trade practices but argued that punishing an economic ally like Canada was counterproductive and created unnecessary market uncertainty.

During a news conference, Kaine asserted that the fentanyl crisis stems from China and Mexico rather than Canada, accusing Trump of fabricating an emergency to justify tax cuts for the wealthy. How will they fund these cuts? By slashing programs like Medicaid and Medicare and imposing tariffs that burden everyday Americans, Kaine stated.

Despite Kaine’s arguments, Trump defended the tariffs, claiming Canada is a significant fentanyl source and vowing to implement them on Wednesday. We are making strides in fighting the fentanyl crisis, but Senate Republicans must uphold the National Emergency to finish the job, he declared on social media. A few Republicans have hinted at supporting the resolution. Senator Susan Collins of Maine said she was still reviewing the legislation but agreed with its intent, calling Canadian tariffs disastrous for her state. Canada is our ally and major trading partner, not an adversary like China. These tariffs make no sense, she remarked.

While some Senate Republicans dislike tariffs, they argue Trump is using them as leverage in trade negotiations. We’ll see what the president announces tomorrow, but that shouldn’t dictate how people vote, said Senate Majority Leader John Thune, emphasizing that the emergency declaration was aimed at controlling fentanyl flow.

Though Trump’s strongest Senate allies continue to back his approach, dissent is growing among Republicans worried about trade wars disrupting industries and raising prices on goods such as cars, groceries, and housing. I’m closely watching these tariffs because, in trade wars, farmers and ranchers are usually the first to suffer, said Senator Steve Daines of Montana. Senator John Kennedy of Louisiana expressed a preference for eliminating tariffs altogether but acknowledged that Trump’s policies had injected uncertainty into global markets. We’re in unknown territory—no one really knows how these tariffs will impact us, he admitted.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from Bloomberg.