Democrats lead legislative charge to block imposition of tariffs as some Republicans break from Trump
Lawmakers from both parties promised legislative action to block Donald Trump’s threatened tariffs against European allies on Monday, though Republicans willing to publicly break with the president on Greenland remain in short supply.
Senator Peter Welch, a Democrat, announced plans to introduce a resolution aimed at terminating tariffs Trump threatened to impose over the weekend on eight European nations, including Nato allies Denmark, the UK, Germany and France. The president first mused about the tariffs on Friday at a White House roundtable, then punctuated his threat with new details that included a 10% levy beginning in February, escalating to 25% by June unless a deal is reached for what he called the “Complete and Total purchase of Greenland.”
A joint resolution of disapproval under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act would block the tariffs if it passes both chambers. But Trump could veto the measure, meaning lawmakers would need a two-thirds majority in both the House and Senate to override him – a high bar requiring significant Republican defections.
Representative Gregory Meeks, the ranking Democrat on the House foreign affairs committee, said he would also offer a resolution to terminate the tariffs, while Senate minority leader Chuck Schumer indicated Democrats plan to introduce legislation with binding authority.
