Rogers Calls for End to Tariff War
Michigan Republican Senate candidate Mike Rogers is urging an immediate halt to President Donald Trump's trade conflict with Canada, a notable departure from his earlier defense of tariffs as a necessary component of the president's economic strategy. Rogers, competing against Democratic nominee Abdul El-Sayed in one of the country's most closely watched Senate races, released a new campaign advertisement on Wednesday arguing that the dispute with Canada's government should conclude because it is driving up costs for businesses and consumers.[S1][S2][S3][S4][S5][S6][S7][S8]
In the 30-second spot, Rogers states that Michigan residents understand Canada is not an adversary and that the tariff war must end now. The remarks place him at odds with a central Trump economic policy less than a month before Election Day, underscoring the pressures Republican candidates face in competitive states where voters remain anxious about prices and the economy. Newsweek has sought comment from the Rogers campaign.[S1]
A Shift From September Support
For the ex-congressman, the fresh ad signals a major messaging pivot. Only weeks earlier, in September, Rogers had backed Trump's tariff policy while conceding its drawbacks, stating in a campaign release that the president was correct to put America first and that tariffs, though needed, were not a cure-all. He now contends the trade fight must be halted without delay.[S1]
The tariff standoff started in July, when Trump imposed fresh levies on Canadian goods, and Canada answered with countermeasures. The matter resonates strongly in Michigan, an economy deeply intertwined with its northern neighbor via manufacturing, farming, and cross-border commerce. The Michigan Chamber of Commerce puts the state's yearly trade with Canada at about $80 billion. Automakers and suppliers in Michigan also rely on supply chains that span both countries. Industry figures caution that a drawn-out fight could drive up expenses, snarl supply networks, and put jobs at risk.[S1]
In the advertisement, Rogers connects his position directly to consumer prices, saying that as Michigan's senator he would bring both parties together to lower costs, which he calls his top priority. The commercial is filmed inside a neighborhood bar, where Rogers mentions drinking a Labatt beer while watching the Detroit Red Wings, highlighting Michigan's close ties to Canada.[S1]
Second Break With Trump
This tariff matter is the second recent policy area in which Rogers has openly put distance between himself and Trump. A month ago, he urged a quick halt to the conflict with Iran, even though he had earlier backed the administration's stance. As with his new tariff spot, that appeal centered on easing costs for American households. Neither advertisement named Trump, yet both broke from White House policy as many Republicans handle delicate issues before November's midterms.[S1]
In remarks from the Oval Office on Wednesday, Trump brushed aside the idea that Rogers was splitting from him, telling reporters he took Rogers to mean that Canada ought to strike a deal and that Canada had long been exploiting the United States. When Newsweek sought comment, a White House official pointed back to the president's comments.[S1]
A Critical Senate Race
Rogers' altered position arrives as he competes against El-Sayed in a contest that may shape which party controls the Senate. The Michigan seat is open because Democratic Sen. Gary Peters is retiring, and it is broadly seen as one of the nation's premier swing races. Surveys have repeatedly indicated the matchup is extremely close.[S1]
El-Sayed pounced on Rogers' new stance, contending it was a matter of political convenience rather than a real policy reversal, and saying Rogers had applauded the tariff war from the outset and was now changing positions because his polling had collapsed. The Democrat has often tied Rogers to Trump's tariff approach and said it has hurt Michigan's economy given the state's extensive trade ties with Canada. Rogers, for his part, has said his connection to Trump would let him help settle the dispute while bringing down costs for Michigan families.[S1]
