In Michigan, Trump’s trade war with Canada rankles both Democrats and Republicans — SkimNews
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- Michigan does US$67 billion in annual trade with Canada, while the state has taken a US$23-billion hit from Trump’s tariffs since the start of last year—US$5,619 per resident, according to the National Taxpayers Union Foundation—with autos most affected.
- Joseph Tarver saw his hours cut at a Detroit auto assembly plant after Trump’s trade wars disrupted international supply chains, while higher fuel and food costs left him saying “everything has gone up – except for the paycheque.”
- Gordie Howe International Bridge opened between Windsor and Detroit in July after a Trump administration delay; in the auto supply chain, a single car part can cross the border several times as factories assemble a vehicle.
- Trump told a Port Huron rally that Canada was “ripping off” the U.S. but said the trade war would be “settled” shortly; three industry sources said secret Ottawa-Washington talks on auto levies were ramping up before the Nov. 3 vote.
- Abdul El-Sayed hammers Trump on tariffs at every campaign rally and released a “The Price is Wrong” parody video after another round of Canadian tariffs last month.
- Mike Rogers says in a television spot that Canada “is not our enemy” and calls for the tariff war to end now, distancing himself from the president’s signature trade policy.
- Denise Weaver, a Trump supporter, cites his border crackdown and opposition to abortion as reasons for backing him but said she could not understand why he had targeted Canada.
Why it matters: Michigan’s US$23-billion tariff hit equals US$5,619 per resident and falls hardest on autos, leaving auto workers and Michigan residents with a direct pocketbook grievance. Before the Nov. 3 vote, Democratic nominee Abdul El-Sayed is attacking the policy while Republican opponent Mike Rogers is calling for it to end.
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