Gillibrand Slams Trump’s Costly Canadian Tariff Threats

Jan 28, 2026
Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) held a virtual press conference to demand that President Trump stop illegally threatening tariffs against American allies.
Over the weekend, President Trump threatenedto impose 100% tariffs on Canadian goods. He also said that the U.S. would levy a25% tariff on South Koreangoods. Earlier this month, the president threatened a 10 percent tariff on NATO countries unless the United States is given Greenland.
“As the president continues to recklessly and haphazardly threaten countries with tariffs, working New Yorkers and small businesses are paying the price,”said Senator Gillibrand.“If the president follows through on his latest threat to impose a 100% tariff on Canadian goods, New Yorkers will suffer. From fertilizer to electricity to car parts, Upstate New Yorkers rely heavily on Canadian products. At a time when prices are already soaring, working families shouldn’t have to pay more for what they need. I’m demanding that President Trump halt his illegal actions, and I will do everything in my power to hold the president accountable for the hardship he’s causing for New Yorkers.”
Last year, President Trump levied tariffs onover 90 countries, includinga 35% tariff on certain Canadian goods and a 10% tariff on Canadian energy, energy resources, and potash. These global tariffs have already hit American families hard, increasing costs for New York households by an estimated$4,200. If the president follows through on his threats to impose further tariffs on Canadian goods, New York families will pay an even higher price, Upstate small businesses will suffer, and energy prices will skyrocket.
Senator Gillibrand has opposed President Trump’s tariffs since the start of his administration. Last year, she joined 14 of her colleagues in introducing theSmall Business RELIEF Actto end Trump’s tariff tax and refund small businesses their duties paid. She also sent a legal brief with 206 members of Congress emphasizing to the Supreme Court that these tariffs are illegal.
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