Whitmer urges Trump administration to end food tariffs and reimburse Michigan households

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is urging the Trump administration to end food tariffs imposed in 2025 and 2026 and reimburse residents for higher costs, arguing that tariffs are adding to families’ grocery bills. She cited estimates placing Michigan’s tariff burden at about $6,485 per household since January 2025—the highest in the country—and a state report attributing more than a 3% increase in food prices to tariffs. Whitmer also warned that tariffs are straining Michigan’s trade relationship with Canada, a major trading partner for the state. A University of Michigan-Flint economist cautioned that consumer reimbursements would be difficult to calculate and administer, noting that it is hard to separate tariff-related food costs from other causes of price increases, though tariffs can raise costs for items such as canned goods.