Mike Rogers Calls for End to US-Canada Tariff War

Michigan Republican Senate candidate Mike Rogers is calling for an immediate end to the US-Canada tariff dispute, distancing himself from President Donald Trump on another major policy issue ahead of next month’s election.

Rogers, who previously supported Trump’s tariffs on Canada, said in an advertisement posted Wednesday on X that ending the trade conflict would help reduce costs for Michigan businesses and consumers.

“Here in Michigan, we know that Canada is not our enemy,” Rogers said in the ad, which was filmed in a neighborhood bar. Holding a Labatt beer to highlight Michigan’s close relationship with its northern neighbor, he added, “We need to end this tariff war now.”

Rogers is locked in a tight Senate contest with Democrat Abdul El-Sayed, according to public polling. He argued that his relationship with Trump could help him negotiate an end to the dispute while lowering prices for Michigan residents.

The US-Canada trade dispute intensified in July after Trump announced new tariffs on Canadian imports. The duties took effect the following month, prompting Canada to impose retaliatory measures.

The tariffs carry particular significance for Michigan because its automotive industry relies heavily on cross-border supply chains. Auto industry executives have warned that a prolonged tariff battle could increase costs and put jobs at risk.

Rogers’ position marks a shift from last month, when he described Trump’s tariffs as “necessary” to the president’s America First agenda, although he acknowledged they were not suitable for every situation.

His tariff stance follows another policy break with Trump. Two weeks earlier, Rogers called for an immediate end to the Iran war, which he had previously supported, arguing that ending the conflict could reduce gasoline and grocery prices.

The changes come as Republicans face increasingly competitive November midterm elections. A Reuters review found that two-thirds of Republican candidates in closely contested House and Senate races have either disagreed with Trump on policy or attempted to create some political distance from him this year.