Trump’s New Tariffs on Canada and 60 Partners Threaten GOP Midterm Prospects

The Trump administration announced double-digit tariffs on imports from 60 trading partners for alleged forced-labor violations. A 50 percent tariff on selected Canadian goods was unveiled in response to what the administration called “discriminatory” measures by Canada. Those duties are slated to take effect next month, while the broader set of tariffs went into force at midnight on Friday. The president also warned of a “substantial” tariff against the European Union over its fine against Google.

The Hill

The forced-labor justification follows earlier actions targeting China and other nations. Within the Republican ranks, former Vice President Mike Pence’s chief of staff Marc Short warned the measures will be “punishing for Republicans politically.” Some GOP strategists, such as Michigan-based Jason Cabel Roe, argue the tariffs matter less to voters than gas prices, while others claim the policies bolster a “new MAGA Republican coalition” that appeals to labor-friendly voters.

The Hill

A Fox News poll released Thursday showed only 33 percent of voters approved of Trump’s handling of the economy. An Economist/YouGov poll earlier in the week found 47 percent said the economy is in a poor state—the highest level since 2023. A YouGov poll conducted on July 22 reported 46 percent of respondents said Trump’s tariffs have increased prices “a lot,” and 26 percent said they have increased prices “a little.” Legal challenges are already emerging; the Liberty Justice Center filed a lawsuit on behalf of small businesses contesting the tariffs on the 60 partners.

The Hill

Officials contend the measures protect domestic jobs and counter unfair trade practices.

The Hill

• “This is going to be punishing for Republicans politically,” — Marc Short

The Hill

• “The fact that you’ve turned so upside down, I think, is an exact reflection of his trade policy,” — Marc Short

The Hill

• “The Democrats in California have their own affordability problems to mitigate but I guess the point is they’re doing it by citing tariffs, not just the war in Iran,” — Rob Stutzman, a California-based Republican strategist

The Hill

• “So far I’m not feeling a lot of impact related to tariffs. It really is more about gas prices than anything else,” — Jason Cabel Roe, a Michigan-based Republican strategist

The Hill

• “I think it’s a continuing trend line of a lot of concern about actions from the White House ahead of November,” — Rob Stutzman, a California-based Republican strategist

The Hill