House votes to reject Trump’s tariffs on Canada

February 12, 2026 (MLN): The US House of Representatives on Wednesday voted to reject former President Donald Trump’s tariffs on Canadian goods, delivering a rare rebuke of his signature trade policy despite his last-minute political warnings to Republicans.

The Democratic-backed measure passed 219-211, with six Republicans joining in support, as reported by APP.

While largely symbolic, the vote allows the House to consider actions to end the national emergencies Trump invoked last year to impose broad tariffs on imports from multiple countries.

Any effort to roll back tariffs on Canada or other nations would still require Senate approval and the president’s signature.

Even if the Senate passed such a measure, Trump could veto it, and Congress would likely fall short of the two-thirds majority needed to override a veto.

Trump sought to influence the vote directly, posting on his Truth Social platform that any Republican opposing tariffs would “seriously suffer the consequences come Election time.”

He added that tariffs had strengthened “Economic and National Security,” urging lawmakers not to jeopardize these benefits.

The House vote followed the expiration of a previous measure that had blocked any debate or vote on tariffs, which had limited opposition to Trump’s trade policies.

House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Trump ally, attempted on Tuesday to reinstate this prohibition but was thwarted when three Republicans joined Democrats to block the effort.

Republican Representative Don Bacon emphasized the importance of congressional responsibility in the matter, stating on social media that “lawmakers cannot & should not outsource our responsibilities” and calling tariffs a tax on American consumers.

Canada, along with other US trading partners, has faced several waves of tariffs since Trump returned to office last year, with emergency economic powers cited to justify the duties.

Broad exemptions, particularly for energy imports and USMCA-covered goods, have reduced the overall impact.

Although some sector-specific tariffs particularly on autos, steel, and aluminum have significantly affected Canada, over 85% of bilateral trade has remained tariff-free under USMCA rules.

Trump’s emergency powers for these tariffs have faced legal challenges, with the Supreme Court expected to rule on their legality soon.

Despite Trump’s repeated defense of higher tariffs, a recent Pew Research Center survey indicated that 60% of Americans disapprove of the elevated duties.

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