GOP Senators Join Dems To Reject Trump’s Tariffs On Brazil

The U.S. Senate voted 52–48 to repeal tariffs on Brazil imposed by Donald Trump, with five Republicans joining Democrats in support. The measure, led by Tim Kaine, represents a symbolic challenge to Trump’s trade policies. However, its future is uncertain, as House Speaker Mike Johnson has indicated the bill will not advance in the House, and Trump is unlikely to sign it.

Republican senators Lisa Murkowski, Susan Collins, Mitch McConnell, Rand Paul, and Thom Tillis sided with Democrats. This marks the strongest Republican backing yet for efforts to roll back Trump-era tariffs. Earlier attempts included a successful vote to repeal tariffs on Canada and a failed effort to overturn a broader 10% tariff policy.

The vote comes amid ongoing tensions between the U.S. and Brazil. Trump recently described a “positive” call with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, during which Lula pushed for the removal of steep tariffs—some reaching 50%—on Brazilian exports. Both leaders expressed interest in meeting soon, possibly at an international summit.

Trump originally imposed the tariffs partly in response to Brazil’s prosecution of former president Jair Bolsonaro, who was convicted after attempting to overturn the 2022 election results. The U.S. also sanctioned Brazilian officials under the Magnitsky Act, including Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes.

Meanwhile, Trump announced progress on a separate trade deal with South Korea, stating that tariffs on imports could be reduced from 25% to 15%, offering relief to major automakers like Hyundai and Kia.