Trump Blasts Republican Senators Over Tariffs Loyalty Test
By Shane Croucher
President Donald Trump lashed out at four Republican senators on Wednesday, accusing them of disloyalty for opposing his push to impose tariffs on Canada over fentanyl trafficking.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump named Senators Mitch McConnell and Rand Paul of Kentucky, Susan Collins of Maine, and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, and said that they were "playing with the lives of the American people."
Senate Democrats advanced a resolution aimed at overturning the emergency declaration Trump used to justify the tariffs. It underscores tensions within the Republican Party over trade policy and the use of executive power.
Trump has argued the tariffs are necessary to penalize Canada for not stopping the flow of fentanyl into the U.S., framing the move as a matter of national security. Critics within his own party view the strategy as economically risky and diplomatically strained.
Why It Matters
The internal GOP rift comes at a time when the Trump administration and Congress continue grappling with the opioid crisis, which fentanyl has exacerbated.
By targeting Canada—a key U.S. trading partner—Trump's approach risks undermining cross-border cooperation and complicating diplomatic ties.
The Senate resolution, introduced by Senator Tim Kaine, a Virginia Democrat, would repeal Trump's February emergency declaration authorizing the tariffs. It functions as a loyalty test, compelling Republicans to pick sides.
What To Know
The resolution under consideration would nullify Trump's emergency declaration tied to Canada's alleged failure to combat fentanyl exports.
While the Senate could approve the measure with a simple majority, it faces long odds in the Republican-controlled House. Trump has also promised to veto it.
Read more Donald Trump
Cory Booker Breaks Senate Speech Record With 25-Hour Marathon
Mark Carney's Chances of Beating Pierre Poilievre in Canada: Recent Polls
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore Responds to 2028 Presidential Run Speculation
Florida and Wisconsin Elections: What to Know as Democrats Hope to Rally
In his Truth Social post, Trump urged the four senators to "get on the Republican bandwagon, for a change," and accused them of siding with "Radical Left Democrats and Drug Cartels." He added: "They are playing with the lives of the American people."
Trump called the resolution "a ploy of the Dems to show and expose the weakness of certain Republicans, namely these four."
Donald Trump
File photo: Donald Trump gestures while speaking during an executive order signing event in the Oval Office of the White House on March 31, 2025 in Washington, D.C. Andrew Harnik/Getty Images
He urged Republican voters to "contact these Senators and get them to FINALLY adhere to Republican Values and Ideals."
Collins said she supported the resolution's "intent," noting, "Canadian tariffs are disastrous for the state of Maine."
She added: "Canada's our friend and our ally, and this is not China we're talking about. It's our biggest trading partner, and this just makes no sense."
Trump defended the tariffs as an economic deterrent to fentanyl sales, saying on Truth Social: "We must Tariff the value of this horrible and deadly drug in order to make it more costly to distribute and buy."
What People Are Saying
Senate Majority Leader John Thune, a Republican of South Dakota, downplayed the resolution's implications but acknowledged concern over fentanyl.
"I think all of us are anxious to see—and we'll wait to see—what the president actually comes out with in terms of tariff policy tomorrow," Thune told reporters.
He also signaled caution about using emergency powers for trade policy, noting that the declaration was made "to deal with the flow of fentanyl."
Senator Steve Daines, a Republican of Montana, warned of economic consequences, particularly for agricultural sectors.
"I'm keeping a close eye on all these tariffs because oftentimes the first folks that are hurt in a trade war are your farmers and ranchers," he said.
Trump's messaging has emphasized loyalty, suggesting that the senators' opposition undermines GOP leadership and party unity.
"They have been extremely difficult to deal with and unbelievably disloyal to hardworking Majority Leader John Thune," Trump wrote, despite Thune himself expressing reservations about the strategy.
Senator Kaine told The Associated Press in an interview last week: "I really relish giving my Republican colleagues the chance to not just say they're concerned, but actually take an action to stop these tariffs."
What Happens Next
If the Senate passes Kaine's resolution, it would move to the House, where passage is unlikely. Trump has reiterated he would veto it if it reached his desk.
A handful of Republicans have signaled they may vote for the resolution, suggesting a growing discomfort with Trump's use of tariffs and emergency powers.
Whether the rebellion grows or fizzles could signal the strength of Trump's influence over the party as he heads deeper into his second term.
Welcome to Billionaire Club Co LLC, your gateway to a brand-new social media experience! Sign up today and dive into over 10,000 fresh daily articles and videos curated just for your enjoyment. Enjoy the ad free experience, unlimited content interactions, and get that coveted blue check verification—all for just $1 a month!
Account Frozen
Your account is frozen. You can still view content but cannot interact with it.
Please go to your settings to update your account status.
Open Profile Settings