How Democrats will try to end Trump's tariffs
Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., who is likely the next House speaker, has made clear that ending President Trump's tariffs is one of Democrats' top priorities.
Key points
- Democrats plan legislation and investigations to roll back Trump's tariffs after their midterm election victory.
- Senate rules and Trump's veto power limit what Democrats can achieve without Republican support.
- Trump says tariffs are non-negotiable, citing 3,000 plants under construction.
- A CNBC Voter Poll found 65% of respondents said tariffs hurt the U.S. economy.
Democrats are preparing to challenge President Donald Trump's tariffs through legislation and investigations when the next Congress is sworn in, CNBC reports. The party won a landslide victory in Tuesday's midterm elections and plans a first-100-hours legislative blitz aimed at unwinding much of Trump's agenda.
Ending Trump's tariff regime, particularly the trade war with Canada, is a top priority. Rep. Hakeem Jeffries of New York, the Democratic minority leader who could become House speaker, said Congress should restore its authority over tariffs.
Investigations and legal pressure
Rep. Jamie Raskin of Maryland, the top Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee, asked Trump on Oct. 28 to hand over records related to tariff exemptions. Raskin alleges Trump used the exemption power to cut "sweetheart deals" for industries whose leaders gave him gifts.
The administration already faces multiple lawsuits over its tariff policy. One suit filed Oct. 20 targets 50% tariffs on a range of Canadian goods imposed under a Great Depression-era law. Another case concerns the "liberation day" tariffs the Supreme Court struck down as illegal in late February, after which the administration was ordered to refund $166 billion.
We should restore congressional authority as it relates to tariffs, because the Trump tariffs are making life more expensive for the American people
— Rep. Hakeem Jeffries
Obstacles in the Senate
Democrats will still lack a 60-vote filibuster-proof majority in the Senate, giving Republicans a tool to block legislation. Overriding a presidential veto requires two-thirds majorities in both chambers, and Trump has said he plans to use his veto power to force Democrats to negotiate.
Sen. Ron Wyden of Oregon, who is poised to lead the Senate Finance Committee, said repealing tariffs on Canada would be an obvious priority. Kit Johnson of BDO's customs and international trade group told CNBC that Congress might consider riders on "must-pass" bills or negotiation with the administration instead.
