Schumer Vows Tariff Vote After Disappointing Jobs Report

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) vowed Friday that Democrats will “force votes” on President Trump’s tariffs following a disappointing August jobs report. The report showed just 22,000 new jobs added and unemployment rising to 4.3%, far below economists’ expectations of 75,000.

Schumer called the numbers “a blaring red light warning” for the U.S. economy and blamed Trump’s trade policies. “Donald Trump’s chaotic tariffs, failed policies, and fake trade deals have slowed job growth and raised prices for American families,” he said. “Hiring is down, prices are up, and families are paying thousands more a year because of Donald Trump’s tariffs.”

He accused Republicans of ignoring economic warning signs and “cowering to Donald Trump,” and said Democrats would soon force votes to roll back the tariffs. “We will see whose side Republicans are on. I hope they choose wisely,” Schumer said, emphasizing the urgency of reversing course.

Senate Democrats have had limited success in challenging Trump’s trade measures. In April, they passed a non-binding resolution opposing tariffs on Canada. However, a later attempt to overturn broader tariffs failed due to low attendance, highlighting the difficulty of building bipartisan support.

Meanwhile, the White House defended its economic approach. Officials noted August tariff revenues hit $31 billion, bringing the 2025 total to $158 billion. The administration also cited over half a million new jobs, $8 trillion in new U.S. investment, and improved wages, crediting Trump’s “America First” trade policy with boosting manufacturing and securing global trade deals.