Senate Democrats approve limited Trump tariff powers amid new Canada trade clash

In a late-session vote, the Senate Democratic caucus overwhelmingly approved a sanctions package that includes limited authority for President Trump to impose steep tariffs—up to 500% on Russian imports and up to 100% on the top five countries purchasing Russian energy. Only nine Democrats and Republican Rand Paul voted no. The legislation was framed as a tool to punish Russia and its energy partners while restricting the president’s scope.

Within days, Trump announced a 50% tariff on about $20 billion of Canadian goods, sparking a fresh trade dispute. Critics, such as Senators Ron Wyden and Elizabeth Warren, warned that the new powers could threaten trading partners and raise domestic prices, urging courts to block any overreach. Senator Richard Blumenthal noted that previous attempts to bypass the law were halted by the judiciary and that the bill’s language aims to keep the authority narrowly targeted. Senator Raphael Warnock said he secured assurances that the tariffs would be limited to the designated energy-trading nations, emphasizing the need for safeguards while holding Russia accountable.