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Retiring Republicans Test Trump’s Control as Tariff Revolt Moves to the Senate

A razor-thin House margin gives a small bloc of Republicans outsized leverage.

Overview

  • Six House Republicans broke with the president to advance a vote overturning his Canada tariffs, sending the measure on a path that could trigger a veto fight in the Senate.
  • President Trump warned on Truth Social that any Republican who votes against tariffs would face primary consequences.
  • Retiring Rep. Don Bacon said many colleagues privately oppose the tariffs but backed the White House under pressure, estimating far more would have defected without threats.
  • Rep. Thomas Massie said the 'retirement caucus' is growing and predicted more GOP defections after the March–May primary window, citing the party’s razor-thin majority.
  • Speaker Mike Johnson is under intensifying pressure to maintain unity as internal frustrations grow during a volatile primary and midterm year.