Senate Democrats, who have long opposed former President Donald Trump's use of tariffs, quietly approved granting him limited tariff authority as part of a sanctions package against Russia on August 27, 2026. This move came shortly before the Senate left Washington, D.C., marking a significant shift in their stance.

Democrats have consistently criticized Trump's tariff policies since his 2024 campaign and throughout his second term, challenging duties imposed on various countries. However, nearly the entire Senate Democratic caucus supported the limited tariff authority in exchange for imposing stringent sanctions on Russia to curb its war efforts.

Trump has recently escalated trade tensions by imposing 50% tariffs on approximately $20 billion worth of Canadian goods, reigniting debates on the campaign trail and among Democrats aiming to regain Senate control and limit his powers.

Though the tariff authority granted is specifically tied to sanctioning countries purchasing oil from Russia, Trump's broader trade actions, including the conflict with Canada, exemplify concerns about giving the White House expanded congressional leeway.

Senator Lindsey Graham, who advocated for the sanctions package for nearly two years, told Fox News Digital that if Trump exceeds the legal boundaries set by the legislation, the courts will intervene as they did with his previous tariff measures unveiled on "Liberation Day" last year.

Senator Blumenthal echoed this view, stating, "If Donald Trump wants to break this law, he will be restrained by the courts, just as when he broke the law on tariffs previously."

Critics warn that the new tariff authority could allow Trump to threaten trade partners and increase costs for American consumers. One notable comment expressed concern: "It gives Donald Trump massive new tariff authority that he can use to threaten our trading partners and raise prices on the American people."

The legislation explicitly limits Trump's tariff authority to the top five purchasers of Russian oil, aiming to constrain potential overreach.

Sources