Six GOP Rebels Defy Trump, Vote to Reverse Canada Tariffs

The US House passed a resolution to reverse former President Donald Trump's tariffs on Canada, with six Republicans voting in favor. The vote represents a rare defection from party unity as Trump maintains a strong influence over the GOP. House Speaker Mike Johnson claimed Trump was understanding of the vote, despite the former president's social media posts warning of electoral consequences for Republicans who oppose tariffs. Trump argued tariffs are a win for national and economic security, urging his party to preserve them.

Key Points: GOP Defections as House Votes to Reverse Trump Canada Tariffs

  • Six Republicans break ranks on tariff vote
  • Trump warns of electoral consequences
  • House passes resolution 219-211
  • Speaker Johnson claims Trump "not upset"
  • Vote tests Trump's control of GOP
2 min read

Six Republicans vote to reverse Trump's tariffs on Canada

Six Republicans join Democrats to pass a resolution reversing Trump's tariffs on Canada, testing the former president's grip on the party.

"Any Republican... that votes against TARIFFS will seriously suffer the consequences come Election time - Donald Trump"

Washington, DC, February 12

US President Donald Trump appears to be losing support, as six Republicans voted to pass a resolution aimed at reversing his tariffs on Canada, according to Fox News.

The House voted 219-211 to pass the resolution, with just one Democrat voting against it. Six Republicans who voted in favour were Don Bacon, Kevin Kiley, Brian Fitzpatrick, Dan Newhouse, Thomas Massie and Jeff Hurd, as per Fox News.

One Democrat who voted against it was Jared Golden.

It's a rare instance of Republicans' defections at a time when Trump still maintains a strong grip over the party, even with Congress' narrow margins. But in recent days, Speaker Mike Johnson and Trump's legislative team failed to convince enough in their party to block the Democratic-led vote, as per CNN.

Johnson claimed Trump was "not upset" with Republicans who have voted to curb his executive authority on tariffs. "He's not upset. I just left the White House. He understands what's going on. It's not going to affect or change his policy. He can veto these things if they come to it," he told CNN.

However, Trump had said in a post on Truth Social, "Canada has taken advantage of the United States on Trade for many years. They are among the worst in the World to deal with, especially as it relates to our Northern Border. TARIFFS make a WIN for us, EASY. Republicans must keep it that way! PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP."

"Any Republican, in the House or the Senate, that votes against TARIFFS will seriously suffer the consequences come Election time, and that includes Primaries! Our Trade Deficit has been reduced by 78%, the Dow Jones has just hit 50,000, and the S&P, 7,000, all Numbers that were considered IMPOSSIBLE just one year ago. In addition, TARIFFS have given us Great National Security because the mere mention of the word has Countries agreeing to our strongest wishes. TARIFFS have given us Economic and National Security, and no Republican should be responsible for destroying this privilege. PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP" he added.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
Trump's threats about election consequences are typical. But six Republicans voting against him shows not everyone is blindly following. Trade wars hurt everyone, and I hope cooler heads prevail for the sake of global economic stability.
R
Rohit P
As an Indian, I find the US-Canada trade tension a bit ironic. We've seen how the US uses tariffs as a tool. It's a reminder that we must diversify our own trade partnerships and not be overly reliant on any single market. Jai Hind!
P
Priya S
The Speaker saying Trump is "not upset" feels like classic damage control. His social media post says the complete opposite! This internal party drama is something we see in Indian politics too. Politicians will be politicians everywhere.
M
Michael C
While I respect the need for strong trade policies, the tone of the post on Truth Social is concerning. It's important for allies like the US and Canada to resolve issues through dialogue, not threats. A more collaborative approach benefits the whole world.
K
Kavya N
The claim that tariffs have reduced the trade deficit by 78% and boosted markets needs deeper scrutiny. Correlation isn't causation. As a business student in Mumbai, we're taught to look beyond such sweeping statements. A more nuanced economic debate is needed.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50