Trump’s new US mail voting rules take effect as states warn of midterm disruption

Last Friday night, the U.S.-Canada trade talks officially ended, leading to the immediate implementation of retaliatory tariffs. Maine, Vermont, and Michigan—states heavily reliant on trade with Canada—have seen elected officials from both parties express their discontent. U.S. Trade Representative Jamie Greer blamed Canada for the breakdown, claiming they introduced last-minute demands.

However, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney disagreed, stating that the U.S. side introduced "last-minute changes" which were deemed "unfair, uneconomic, and called into question the reliability of any deal." The primary sticking point was the reduction of tariff rates on heavy-duty trucks, with Canada pushing for lower rates and the U.S. citing internal conflicts and the refusal to extend auto-tariff relief to medium and heavy-duty trucks.

The result was 50% U.S. tariffs on $20 billion of Canadian goods and Canada's retaliatory tariffs on various goods, including steel, dairy, and electronics, set to take effect on September 8th. Maine's Republican and independent senators, Susan Collins and Angus King, both called for an end to the tariffs, highlighting the impact on their respective industries.

Vermont's Republican governor, Phil Scott, has consistently criticized the tariffs, describing them as "a bad idea that will lead to increased costs." Michigan's Democratic governor, Gretchen Whitmer, has also been vocal, warning of the economic risks to her state's jobs and businesses. The situation has created a united front among the three border states, with both parties urging for a return to the negotiating table and an end to the retaliatory tariffs.