Key Takeaways:
- Sen. Ron Johnson admits he can’t stop Trump’s trade war with Canada.
- Johnson focuses on spending issues instead of tariffs.
- Trump’s trade policies cause confusion and concern among lawmakers.
- Canada disputes Trump’s claims about fentanyl seizures.
- Senators divided on whether the trade war will help or hurt the U.S.
Republican Senators Struggle to Influence Trump’s Trade War
In a candid interview, Sen. Ron Johnson (R-WI) admitted he feels powerless to stop President Donald Trump’s ongoing trade war with Canada. The conflict has left many lawmakers frustrated and unsure about the president’s goals.
Johnson Expresses Frustration
Johnson shared his concerns about the trade war, calling the Canadians “great people” and “friends.” He said, “I hate to see this,” but admitted there’s little he can do to change Trump’s policies. Instead, he’s shifting his focus to federal spending, an issue he believes he can influence more effectively.
When asked if things will get worse before they improve, Johnson said, “I’m not quite sure what the president’s goal is here. He hasn’t revealed that to me.”
Trump’s Tariff “Hokey Pokey”
The trade tension between the U.S. and Canada has been unpredictable. Trump has repeatedly imposed and lifted tariffs, creating confusion for businesses and lawmakers. For instance, he recently increased tariffs on aluminum and steel in response to a surcharge on energy imports from Canada. However, the Canadian government quickly suspended the surcharge, and it’s unclear if Trump will remove the tariffs.
Sen. Jerry Moran (R-KS) noted that the situation is critical, especially for Kansas farmers and businesses that rely on imported steel and aluminum. He urged the administration to resolve the issues that led to the tariffs.
Fentanyl Dispute Fuels Tensions
One of Trump’s reasons for the trade war is the flow of fentanyl across the Canadian border. He claims Canada is a major source of the deadly drug entering the U.S. However, Canadian officials dispute this, stating that less than 1% of fentanyl seized at the U.S. border comes from Canada.
Outgoing Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau emphasized that his country has invested heavily in border security, allocating $1.3 billion to combat drug smuggling.
Mixed Reactions from Republican Senators
Not all Republican senators agree on how to handle the trade war. Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) expressed strong support for Trump’s policies, saying, “It’s our only chance to get people to pay fares with all these tariffs. So, let’s get it done. Now’s the time to do it.”
However, Tuberville also acknowledged that the stock market has suffered in recent days, partly because he believes stock prices are “a little over-priced.” He remains optimistic, predicting the market will recover soon.
Congress’ Role in Trade Policy
The trade war has raised questions about the balance of power between the president and Congress. The U.S. Constitution gives Congress the authority to regulate foreign commerce and impose tariffs, but over time, lawmakers have allowed the president to make decisions within certain limits.
A recent Congressional Research Service report highlighted this tension, noting that while Congress has the final say, it’s unclear how far Trump can go before crossing constitutional boundaries.
What’s Next?
The trade war with Canada shows no signs of slowing down, and lawmakers like Sen. Ron Johnson feel stuck. While some Republicans support Trump’s aggressive approach, others worry about the long-term consequences for American workers and businesses.
As the situation unfolds, one thing is clear: the trade war with Canada is causing confusion, frustration, and uncertainty for everyone involved. Whether Trump’s policies will lead to positive outcomes or further chaos remains to be seen.