The Senate is voting on whether to block Trump’s global tariffs amid economic turmoil

Senate Democrats are set to hold a vote on Wednesday to challenge the global tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump. This could pose a tough decision for some Republicans who are hesitant to go against the president, despite having concerns about the policy.

Trump initially announced the tariffs on April 2 but later suspended them for 90 days following market upheaval. The Commerce Department reported a 0.3% decline in the U.S. economy from January to March, the first drop in three years.

While the outcome of the resolution in the Senate remains uncertain, Democrats aim to hold Republicans accountable and reaffirm Congress’s authority. Sen. Ron Wyden of Oregon emphasized the Senate’s role in addressing the tariff situation.

Senate Democrats anticipate unanimous support for the resolution, requiring four Republican votes for passage. Some Republicans, including Sens. Susan Collins, Lisa Murkowski, Rand Paul, and Mitch McConnell, have signaled their intent to support the resolution.

Despite reservations about the tariffs, Republican leaders have discouraged their party members from voting with Democrats, viewing it as a political maneuver. Democrats warn that failure to challenge Trump’s tariffs could lead to severe consequences for the economy.

The resolution aims to terminate the emergency declared by Trump to implement the tariffs, with Sen. Elizabeth Warren criticizing it as a fabricated emergency. President Trump has defended the tariffs, asserting that they are necessary for dealing with China and downplaying their impact on the economy.