Michigan Republican candidate breaks with Trump over tariffs on Canada

Michigan Republican Senate candidate Mike Rogers has diverged from U.S. President Donald Trump's stance on the trade war with Canada, according to a recent campaign advertisement. In the ad, Rogers asserts that people in Michigan recognize Canada is not their adversary and advocates for an end to the "tariff war." While Rogers does not directly reference Trump in the ad, this alteration in his rhetoric signifies a shift from his earlier assertion that tariffs are necessary.

The trade conflict between the United States and Canada has emerged as a significant issue in the closely contested race between Rogers and his Democratic opponent, Abdul El-Sayed, which could determine control of the Senate during the upcoming midterm elections. When queried about the ad, Trump interpreted it as Rogers suggesting that Canada should engage in negotiations. This account, sourced from The Canadian Press, was initially published on October 7, 2026.