United States President Donald Trump called on Republican senators Tuesday to support the continuation of the national emergency regarding fentanyl imports. His remarks came ahead of a Senate vote on a resolution seeking to block his ability to impose tariffs on Canadian imports using emergency powers.

“We can finish the job and end the scourge,” Trump wrote on Truth Social, referencing the 25% tariff he introduced under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) targeting fentanyl-laced goods entering from Canada. He warned against efforts to dismantle this authority, which he credited with significantly reducing the flow of deadly opioids.

The resolution, introduced by Democratic Senators Tim Kaine of Virginia and Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota, aims to limit Trump’s ability to invoke emergency economic powers for tariff enforcement. Trump claimed that Democrats are trying to “halt our critical Tariffs on deadly Fentanyl,” accusing them of past inaction and allowing the crisis to escalate.

“By their weakness, the Democrats have allowed Fentanyl to get out of hand,” Trump said. “The Republicans and I have reversed that course, strongly and quickly. Major additional progress is being made. Don’t let the Democrats have a Victory.”

Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid significantly more potent than heroin, has been a focal point of Trump’s domestic policy, particularly concerning drug enforcement and border control. The president's administration has framed the issue as both a public health crisis and a national security threat.

Trump’s strong language signals his intent to frame the vote as a test of party loyalty and effectiveness on combating drug trafficking. Supporters of the emergency measures argue that the tariffs serve as a powerful tool to disrupt the supply chain and apply pressure on foreign producers and exporters.

Critics, however, question the legality and economic consequences of using the IEEPA for trade measures, especially against close allies like Canada. They argue that such actions risk diplomatic fallout and may not effectively address the root causes of the fentanyl epidemic.

The outcome of the Senate vote could determine whether Trump retains authority to leverage emergency economic tools in his ongoing crackdown on fentanyl imports. The decision is also expected to influence broader debates over presidential powers and international trade policy.