Democrats hand Trump one power they spent years fighting
After raging against a key tool in President Donald Trump’s economic arsenal, Senate Democrats quietly green-lit the authority before they left Washington, D.C.Democrats have bashed Trump’s use of tariffs since they were first floated during his campaign in 2024, and have taken every chance to challenge and push back against duties imposed on other countries throughout his second term.But nearly the entire Senate Democratic caucus voted in favor of giving Trump limited tariff authority in exchange for bone-crushing sanctions against Russia.Only nine Democrats, and Sen.
Rand Paul, R-Ky., ultimately voted against the package.PUTIN, RUSSIA PUT ON NOTICE AS SENATE TAKES CRUCIAL STEP TO GRIND DOWN THE KREMLIN’S WAR MACHINEPresident Donald Trump listens as administration officials speak during an event in the Oval Office of the White House on Oct.16, 2025, in Washington, D.C.
(Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)Now, Trump has ignited a trade war with Canada, introducing 50% tariffs against the country on roughly $20 billion worth of goods, which has reignited the debate on the campaign trail and as Democrats seek to flip the Senate and corral his authority.Some warned that giving congressional approval would allow the administration to abuse the power."It gives Donald Trump massive new tariff authority that he can use to threaten our trading partners and raise prices on the American people," Sen.Ron Wyden, D-Ore., said on the Senate floor.
"I believe senators will come to deeply regret voting to give Donald Trump this tariff authority."Though not directly connected to the authority granted in the sanctions package, which directly deals with countries buying oil from Russia, Trump’s move to enter into a fight with one of America’s top trade partners is what he warned of: giving the White House congressional leeway.TRUMP ALLIES PUSH TO ARM PRESIDENT WITH NEW TARIFF WEAPON TO PUNISH COUNTRIES 'RIPPING OFF' AMERICAThe tariff authority baked into the sanctions package wou...