US President Donald Trump on Wednesday threatened consequences as some Republican lawmakers joined Democrats to pass a resolution seeking to end US tariffs on Canada.
Shortly after the resolution was approved by a 219-211 majority in the Republican-controlled House, Trump turned to Truth Social to reverse the move, warning the six Republicans who voted for it.
“Any Republican in the House or Senate who votes against TARIFFs will suffer serious consequences come election time, including the primaries!” he wrote
In the post, Trump defended his tariffs, saying they had reduced the trade deficit and provided the US with what he called “great national security.”
“Our trade deficit is down 78%, the Dow Jones just hit 50,000 and the S&P 7,000, all numbers that were considered IMPOSSIBLE a year ago. Plus, TARIFFS have given us great national security because the mere mention of the word makes countries agree to our harshest wishes.” Trump said.
“TARFY has provided us with economic and national security, and no Republican should be responsible for destroying that privilege,” he added.
Canada took advantage, Trump says
In a separate post, Donald Trump accused Canada, a longtime US ally, of “taking advantage” of the United States over the years, calling it one of the “worst” countries to deal with.
He supported the US tariffs on Canada and said the move was a win for Washington DC.
“Canada has taken advantage of the United States on trade for many years. They are among the worst in the world to deal with, especially on our northern border. TARIFFS are a WIN for us, SIMPLE. Republicans must keep it that way!” wrote on Truth Social.
Canada — like other U.S. trading partners — has been hit by various waves of Trump tariffs since he returned to the presidency early last year, when he used emergency economic powers to justify the tariffs.
Trump recently threatened to impose 100% tariffs on goods imported from Canada over a proposed trade deal with China.
US House votes to block Canadian tariffs
Trump’s warning comes after the Republican-dominated US House of Representatives passed a resolution to block US tariffs on Canada.
Wednesday’s vote came as a rare bipartisan rebuke and one of the first times the Republican-controlled House has confronted the president over his signature policies.
The resolution seeks to end the national emergency that Trump declared to impose the tariffs. It will next go to the Senate, where it remains to be seen whether the resolution will pass. If the Senate approves the resolution, it will go to Trump for his signature or veto, with the US president likely to take the latter option. To override Trump’s veto, the resolution must be passed by an overwhelming two-thirds majority.
“Today’s vote is simple, very simple: Will you vote to lower the cost of living for the American family, or will you keep prices high out of loyalty to one person – Donald J Trump?” said Rep. Gregory Meeks of New York, the top Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, who wrote the resolution.