WASHINGTON — Democrats who won majorities in both chambers of Congress in Tuesday's midterm elections say they will use their new power when the next Congress takes office to try to end President Donald Trump's tariffs.1,3
Party leaders said the tariffs have raised the cost of living for Americans and described reversing them as an early priority. House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York said the tariffs have increased costs, telling reporters on Wednesday, "We need to stop the Trump tariffs that have increased costs on everyday Americans by thousands of dollars."1,3
Jeffries, the Democratic minority leader who could be elected House speaker in the next Congress, has said ending the tariffs is a top priority and that, if picked as speaker, he would speed legislation to the House floor that reasserts congressional authority over trade. He said at a press conference in late August, "We should restore congressional authority as it relates to tariffs, because the Trump tariffs are making life more expensive for the American people." Democrats are also preparing a first-100-hours legislative effort with bills that would unwind much of Trump's agenda.1
Sen.-elect Abdul El-Sayed, D-Mich., told MS NOW's "Morning Joe" Thursday that ending Trump's tariff regime, and especially his trade war against Canada, is something Democrats "absolutely have to do immediately." The Wall Street Journal reported, citing Sen. Ron Wyden of Oregon, that Democrats are eyeing the Canada trade war as the "first target" in their efforts against his tariff agenda.1
Wyden, who is poised to lead the Senate Finance Committee when Democrats take control, said in a statement before Election Day, "If Democrats somehow had a veto-proof majority, or if voters shame Republicans into doing the right thing, there would be no shortage of trade policies to address." He said, "One of the most obvious priorities would be repealing Trump's tariffs on Canada, which are raising prices and harming communities on both sides of the border," and said, "I'll also continue to work to ensure Congress has the final say on tariffs, so future presidents can't reenact Trump's economically disastrous trade taxes."1
Democrats are also laying the groundwork for investigations into Trump's tariffs, which the party folded into its winning campaign message linking high costs with alleged Trumpworld corruption. Rep. Jamie Raskin of Maryland, the top Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee, on Oct. 28 asked Trump to hand over records related to tariff exemptions. Raskin alleges Trump has wielded the exemption power to cut "sweetheart deals" for industries whose leaders have plied the president with gifts.1
The administration is already facing multiple lawsuits challenging parts of its tariff policy. The most recent suit, filed Oct. 20, targets Trump's use of a Great Depression-era law to impose 50% tariffs on a range of Canadian goods. Another case accuses Trump of trying to recreate the near-global "liberation day" tariffs that the Supreme Court struck down as illegal in late February, a policy under which the administration has since been ordered to refund $166 billion in tariff revenue it had collected.1
Under the Constitution, Congress holds the power to levy taxes. Over decades, Congress has ceded some of those powers to the executive, and Democrats say Trump has asserted virtually unchecked tariff powers which they are intent on clawing back. The tariffs, a central part of Trump's economic agenda dating to his first term, were a frequent target for Democratic lawmakers and candidates on the trail.1,3
Despite their victories Tuesday night, Democrats will still lack a 60-vote filibuster-proof majority in the Senate, giving Republicans a tool to block legislation even in reduced numbers. Trump is also expected to use his veto power in the next Congress. Overriding a presidential veto requires two-thirds majorities in both the House and Senate, meaning Democrats would need significant Republican help to enact a bill over his objection.1,2
Democrats may consider it worthwhile to pass legislation even if Trump vetoes it, as doing so could help them build political narratives for the 2028 election cycle. But they may have other options available. Kit Johnson, a senior tax manager for BDO's customs and international trade group, said, "Absent the brute force of a veto-proof coalition, Congress might consider other political solutions, such as adding riders on 'must-pass' bills or negotiation with the administration."1
Wyden said, "Every day Trump insists on his indiscriminate taxes on so many of the products Americans need, he digs a deeper hole for Republicans enabling his tariff spree."1
