Democrats are planning to challenge President Trump's tariffs on Canada once they take control of Congress in January, with a strategy that aims to garner Republican support.
Senator Ron Wyden of Oregon, who is expected to chair the Senate Finance Committee, told The Wall Street Journal that he is already in discussions with colleagues about drafting legislation to reverse Trump's tariffs. "There is overwhelming support for repealing the tariffs on products from Canada," Wyden stated.
Many Democrats campaigned on promises to fight these tariffs, which impose taxes as high as 50% on various consumer goods and appliances. Their plan may involve forcing votes on unpopular tariffs for specific items, though Wyden indicated a broader focus on Trump's overall tariff strategy. "Ultimately, Congress must take away the president’s ability to unilaterally and arbitrarily impose tariffs," he said.
States bordering Canada, such as Michigan and Ohio, have reportedly borne the brunt of the economic impact from these tariffs. Sources familiar with the matter suggest that Trump would likely resist attempts to repeal them, with Kelly Ann Shaw, a former National Economic Council member in Trump's administration, noting that "the president has been moving forward on his trade agenda irrespective of the makeup of Congress."
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has welcomed the Democrats' initiative, stating that repealing the tariffs would reduce costs for American consumers and benefit U.S. workers. Trump and Carney recently discussed the matter in a phone call, after which Trump remarked to voters in Iowa, "We have the concept of a very good deal with Canada."
The Distilled Spirits Council of the United States, whose members include Jack Daniel's maker Brown-Forman, hopes that the recent remarks from both leaders will lead to the reversal of trade restrictions, particularly on alcoholic beverages.