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Trump speaks at rally for Senate candidate Ken Paxton in San Antonio
Trump speaks at rally for Senate candidate Ken Paxton in San Antonio
Mike Rogers, the Republican nominee for the Senate in Michigan, is calling on Trump to end his tariff war in a new campaign ad released today.
“Here in Michigan, we know that Canada is not our enemy,” Rogers said in the 30-second spot posted on X as he drank a bottle of Labatt, a Canadian beer. “We need to end this tariff war now. As Michigan senator, I’ll bring both parties together to lower your prices. That’s job No. 1.”
Rogers also alleged that his Democratic opponent, Abdul El-Sayed, wants to raise taxes by $3,000. El-Sayed has not made such a proposal, but Republicans have suggested that a tax increase would be needed to pay for his plans, like “Medicare for All.”
El-Sayed shot back on X, saying: “Must have had one too many of those LaBatts, Mike. You cheerled this tariff war from the beginning and you’re flip-flopping now because your poll numbers are in free fall. Donald is the reason we’re in a trade war. And he’s the reason you’re running. Not a serious person.”
Mike Rogers. Sarah Rice / Bloomberg via Getty
The race between the two contenders is considered a toss-up.
Rogers’ criticism of the president’s trade policy toward Canada comes after the president instituted new duties that took effect last month of between 15% and 50% on $20 billion worth of U.S. products exported to Canada. Michigan, of course, borders Canada. Rogers said in August that “tariffs are necessary,” but also “not a one-size-fits-all solution.”
Asked about the ad in the Oval Office this afternoon, Trump said, “Well, I viewed it as though he wanted Canada to make a deal. … Look, Canada has been ripping off our country for many, many years, tremendously ripping off. … We don’t need Canada for anything.”
Rogers has distanced himself from Trump in other areas, including calling for an end to the Iran war and a slowdown in AI development. But he has allied himself with the president on other things, especially during the Republican primary, including on Trump’s call for legislation dubbed the SAVE Act that would overhaul U.S. elections.
The White House referred NBC News to the president’s comments. The El-Sayed campaign didn’t respond to a request for comment.
