The US House of Representatives has narrowly voted to overturn tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump on Canadian imports, marking a significant political setback for one of his central economic policies. The measure passed 219–211, with six Republicans joining Democrats to support ending the levies.
Lawmakers voted to terminate the national emergency declaration Trump invoked in February 2025 to justify the tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). The president is widely expected to veto the legislation if it reaches his desk, but the vote signals growing unease within his own party over the trade strategy, especially ahead of upcoming midterm elections.
Public opinion appears skeptical of the approach. A recent Pew survey found that 60% of American adults disapprove of increased tariffs, including more than a quarter of Republicans.
The tariffs have strained relations with Canada, one of America’s closest allies and its second-largest trading partner. Canadian consumers have boycotted US products, while Prime Minister Mark Carney has pursued efforts to diversify trade partnerships to reduce reliance on the United States.
House Speaker Mike Johnson downplayed the rebellion within Republican ranks, attributing it to the party’s narrow majority, but warned colleagues against undermining the president’s trade agenda while negotiations with other countries are ongoing.
The dispute could ultimately be decided by the US Supreme Court, which is reviewing whether the president had legal authority to use emergency powers to impose tariffs, a step no previous US president has taken under the statute.
Democratic lawmakers are expected to push for similar votes targeting tariffs on other countries, including Mexico and Brazil, in the coming weeks, potentially setting up further clashes between Congress and the White House over trade policy.