MICHIGAN — Republican U.S. Senate candidate Mike Rogers is calling for an immediate end to the tariff dispute with Canada, breaking with President Donald Trump on an issue central to Michigan’s cross-border economy.

Rogers released a campaign advertisement Wednesday saying Canada is not an enemy and that the tariff fight should end to reduce costs for businesses and consumers.

Campaign shifts position weeks before election

Reuters reported that Rogers had largely supported Trump’s tariffs and praised them as necessary as recently as September, while arguing that they should not be applied uniformly.

Rogers is in a closely contested Senate race with Democrat Abdul El-Sayed. El-Sayed accused him of changing positions because of the race. Rogers said he could use his relationship with Trump and work across party lines to lower prices.

Michigan trade is closely tied to Canada

The dispute began after new U.S. tariffs on Canadian imports took effect in August and Canada responded with retaliatory measures. Michigan’s automotive sector relies on supply chains that cross the border repeatedly, increasing the economic consequences of sustained tariffs.

Rogers’ statement is a campaign position, not a change in U.S. trade policy. Ending or modifying the tariffs would require action by the administration or other lawful authority.

Sources: Reuters, October 7; Mike Rogers campaign release and advertisement.

Lead image: TNC archive AI-generated illustration of Canadian and U.S. flags; not a photograph of Rogers, Trump or a border crossing.