Mike Rogers Changes Tune On Trump’s Tariffs As Election Approaches

Republican Michigan Senate nominee Mike Rogers changed his tune Wednesday on President Donald Trump’s tariff policy weeks before the election.

Rogers’ campaign released an advertisement calling for an end to a “tariff war” with Canada to help lower prices for consumers in the state, given that the state’s economy is strongly tied to the neighboring country’s. The Republican candidate previously defended the tariffs as economically necessary, but shifted his tone as voters continued to feel the pinch from higher prices.

“Here in Michigan, we know that Canada is not our enemy. We need to end this tariff war now,” Rogers said in the ad. “As Michigan’s senator, I’ll bring both parties together to lower your prices. That’s job number one.”

Rogers repeatedly backed Trump’s tariffs, arguing in an Aug. 29 statement they were “necessary” for Michigan’s economy.

“President Trump is right to put America First – and tariffs are necessary, but are not a size-fits-all solution,” Rogers said. “Elissa Slotkin and Gary Peters are missing in action. Michigan deserves a Senator who will work with President Trump to broker a trade deal with Canada that supports our farmers and gets the best deal for Michigan autoworkers and manufacturers.”

The Detroit Free Press asked Rogers on Sept. 22 if Trump needed to rethink his decision to increase tariffs on billions of dollars worth of Canadian imports to 50%; Rogers alluded that he would support it. He argued that Trump’s trade policy helped Michigan.

“If it’s good for Michigan, I’m going to be for it,” Rogers said.

 Other northern Republicans, such as Maine Sen. Susan Collins and former New Hampshire Sen. John Sununu, condemned the policy.

Rogers’ campaign did not respond to the Daily Caller News Foundation’s request for comment.