In a rare bipartisan move, the U.S. House of Representatives voted 219-211 on February 12, 2026 to challenge former President Donald Trump's controversial tariffs on Canadian goods imposed during his second term. Six Republican lawmakers broke ranks to join Democrats in supporting the resolution, signaling growing tensions within the GOP over trade policy.
The measure seeks to terminate national emergency powers invoked by Trump in February 2025, which enabled tariffs on Canadian aluminum, lumber and agricultural products. House Democrats framed the vote as a choice between lowering consumer costs and political loyalty, with resolution sponsor Gregory Meeks declaring: "This is about whether we prioritize American families or one man's protectionist agenda."
Trump responded swiftly on social media, warning Republican dissenters they would "seriously suffer consequences" in upcoming elections. The former president maintains the tariffs address drug trafficking threats from Canada while boosting national security – claims disputed by trade analysts.
Despite House approval, the resolution faces steep hurdles. Senate Republicans remain largely aligned with Trump, and the former president retains veto authority. The development comes amid reports Trump is considering withdrawing from the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), the trade pact he originally negotiated during his first administration.
Business leaders have warned escalating trade tensions could disrupt North American supply chains, with Canadian officials threatening retaliatory measures. As the Senate prepares its review, all eyes turn to moderate Republicans who could determine whether this challenge to executive trade powers gains momentum.
