Trump’s trade war hands Democrats a campaign-trail gift
The president’s steep new tariffs on Canadian goods are uniting his often-split opponents in the swing state of Michigan.
President Donald Trump's trade war with Canada has given Democrats in Michigan a campaign trail advantage. Democratic candidates are unifying against Trump's 50% tariffs on Canadian goods, which polls show is unpopular. This shift helps Democrats distance themselves from the divisive issue of US-Israel policy and sidesteps their own past divisions within the party.
Democratic candidates are emphasizing that the tariffs are about President Trump's ego and that his opponents, such as Mike Rogers, will rubber-stamp them. Democratic nominee Abdul El-Sayed calls the tariffs an "ego trip" for Trump and suggests a more targeted approach to address specific industries. Republican nominee Mike Bouchard, however, frames the tariffs as a negotiating tactic and hopes for a resolution beneficial to both countries.
Canada has retaliated with its own tariffs and pledged aid to affected companies, while Michigan Republicans have largely kept a low profile amid the ongoing trade war.
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