Trump's Canada tariffs may be Democrats' first legislative target after midterm success - report

Having won control of both the Senate and House in the US midterm elections, Democrats may target President Trump's 50% tariffs on Canadian goods as their first legislative action, according to a Wall Street Journal report. Senator Ron Wyden said there is "overwhelming support" for repeal and has begun discussing strategy.

Having won control of both the Senate and the House of Representatives in the US midterm elections on Tuesday, the Democrats' first legislative target may be President Donald Trump's tariffs on trade with Canada, according to a Wall Street Journal report on Thursday. Trump imposed 50% tariffs on some Canadian goods in August after trade talks with Prime Minister Mark Carney failed. The new Democratic majority will not be sworn in until January 2027, but behind-the-scenes discussions about rolling back the tariffs have already begun. Oregon Senator Ron Wyden, the Ranking Member on the Senate Finance Committee, stated there is "overwhelming support" for repeal and has begun discussing legislative strategy. The tariffs were a central campaign issue for Democratic candidates in border states such as Maine, Michigan, and Alaska. Even with a majority, Democrats may need Republican support to push back, though Wyden noted the tariffs are unpopular among some Republicans, potentially allowing enough support to override a presidential veto. Additional actions could include challenging the presidential authorities Trump used to impose the tariffs, though sources close to Trump expressed doubt that Democrats will succeed, as tariff power largely rests with the president.