How Democrats will try to end Trump’s tariffs

Democrats are expected to use their gains in Congress after Tuesday’s election to challenge President Donald Trump’s tariffs, which he has presented as both a negotiating tool and a source of government revenue. Trump has signalled he will not readily remove them and has threatened to use his veto to bring Democrats to the negotiating table, leaving uncertain what compromise he might accept.

Since taking office in January 2025, Trump has raised duties on goods from nearly every country, contributing to trade disputes including with Canada and China. The Tax Foundation estimates the tariffs added $820 to the average US household’s tax burden in 2026; Penn Wharton estimates they generated about $300 billion through July 2026, with $138 billion refunded after a Supreme Court ruling and nearly $20 billion more due back. In a 3 November CNBC poll, 65% said tariffs had hurt the US economy and 22% said they had helped, while some Republicans have criticised the duties.