U.S. President Donald Trump sharply criticized Canada after the U.S. House of Representatives voted against his tariffs on the country in a move that showed some Republican lawmakers are uneasy about his trade policies.
Trump wrote on social media that Canada had taken advantage of the United States and urged Republicans to keep supporting tariffs. Six Republicans joined Democrats to pass a motion opposing Trump’s use of a fentanyl emergency at the U.S.-Canada border to justify wide-ranging tariffs. The measure passed but did not have enough support to override a veto and is expected to be rejected by Trump.
The president used emergency powers to impose 35 per cent tariffs on Canada, although goods covered by the Canada-U.S.-Mexico trade agreement are exempt. Canada also faces separate tariffs on steel, aluminum, cars and lumber. Democrat Rep. Gregory Meeks, who introduced the bill, said Canada is a close ally and that little fentanyl enters through the northern border. Canada has increased border security and highlighted drug seizures in response to U.S. concerns.
The U.S. Supreme Court is now considering whether Trump can continue using emergency powers to impose tariffs.
