Democrats are planning to fight President Trump’s tariffs once they assume control of Congress in January, hoping to win some Republicans to the cause, according to a report.
Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), who’s poised to chair the Senate Finance Committee, told the Wall Street Journal that he’s “already talking” to colleagues about drafting legislation to undo Trump’s levies on Canada.
“There is overwhelming support for repealing the tariffs on products from Canada,” he was quoted as saying earlier this week.
After many Dems won office on promises to fight the tariffs — which include 50% taxes on a range of consumer goods, appliances and more — they’re hoping to win over enough Republicans to avoid or overrule a potential veto.
Dems’ strategy could entail forcing votes on unpopular tariffs on specific items, according to the Journal.
But Wyden indicated he’s focusing on Trump’s tariff strategy as a whole.
“Ultimately, Congress must take away the president’s ability to unilaterally and arbitrarily impose tariffs,” he said.
States on or near the border, like Michigan and Ohio, have taken on the brunt of the financial fallout from the tariffs, according to reports.
Sources told the Journal that the president would most likely dig his heels in.
“The president has been moving forward on his trade agenda irrespective of the makeup of Congress,” said Kelly Ann Shaw, who served on the National Economic Council in Trump’s first term.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney welcomed the Democrats’ plan, saying Friday that repealing the tariffs would lower costs for American families and benefit US workers.
On Sunday, Trump and Carney reported a positive phone call with each other.
While stumping in Iowa, Trump told a voters rally, “We have the concept of a very good deal with Canada.”
Trade group Distilled Spirits Council of the United States, which includes Jack Daniels maker Brown-Forman, hopes that Trump and Carney’s recent remarks will lead booze bans in particular to be undone.