Senate Votes 49-49 to Preserve Trump's Global Tariffs

The U.S. Senate narrowly failed to overturn President Trump's sweeping global tariffs, with a 49-49 vote falling short due to the absence of two key opponents. The effort, led by Senators Rand Paul and Ron Wyden, sought to terminate Trump's emergency powers underpinning the tariffs, but most Republicans sided with the White House amid concerns about the economy and ongoing trade tensions. Trump’s tariff policy, which includes steep duties on China and most other trading partners, has triggered fears of inflation and recession domestically. The administration recently raised tariffs on Chinese goods to a cumulative rate of 104%, prompting reciprocal measures from China and a lawsuit from twelve U.S. states challenging the legality of the tariffs. While the White House defended the tariffs as a means to secure better trade deals and protect U.S. industries, critics warn that the escalating trade war risks broader economic and political fallout.