Michigan Republican Senate candidate Mike Rogers is calling for an immediate end to President Donald Trump's trade war with Canada, a notable shift from comments he made just weeks ago defending tariffs as a necessary part of the president's economic agenda. Rogers, who is locked in one of the nation's most competitive Senate races against Democratic nominee Abdul El-Sayed, released a new campaign advertisement Wednesday arguing that the dispute with Canada's government should end because it is increasing costs for businesses and consumers. "Here in Michigan, we know that Canada is not our enemy," Rogers says in the 30-second ad.
"We need to end this tariff war now." The remarks put Rogers at odds with one of Trump's signature economic policies less than a month before Election Day and highlight the pressures facing Republican candidates in closely contested states where voters remain concerned about prices and the economy. Newsweek has reached out to the Rogers campaign for comment. The new advertisement marks a significant change in messaging for the former congressman.
As recently as September, Rogers defended Trump's tariff strategy while acknowledging it had limitations. "President Trump is right to put America first, and tariffs are necessary, but are not a one-size-fits-all solution," Rogers said in a campaign statement. Now, Rogers is arguing the trade dispute should end immediately.
The tariff conflict began in July when Trump announced new duties on Canadian imports, prompting retaliatory measures from Canada. The issue has particular significance in Michigan, whose economy is closely connected to its northern neighbor through manufacturing, agriculture, and cross-border trade. According to the Michigan Chamber of Commerce, the state conducts roughly $80 billion in annual trade with Canada.
Michigan automakers and suppliers also rely on integrated supply chains that operate on both sides of the border. Industry leaders have warned that a prolonged trade dispute could increase costs, disrupt supply chains and threaten jobs. In the advertisement, Rogers ties his position directly to consumer prices.
"As Michigan's senator, I'll bring both parties together to lower your prices," he says. "That's job number one." The commercial is filmed inside a neighborhood bar, where Rogers references drinking a Labatt beer while watching the Detroit Red Wings, underscoring Michigan's close ties to Canada. The tariff issue is the second major policy area in recent weeks where Rogers has publicly distanced himself from Trump.
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