Republican lawmakers are voicing their support for President Donald Trump in the ongoing trade conflict with Canada, placing blame on Prime Minister Mark Carney’s administration for walking away from negotiations.
A group of GOP House members convened on Capitol Hill for a private session with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer to discuss tariffs.
While some Republicans are privately concerned about the potential negative impact of escalating tariffs on their reelection prospects in the upcoming midterms, those who spoke with CBC News following the meeting expressed backing for the president’s trade tactics.
As tensions rise between Ontario’s premier and the U.S. president, Republican candidates in border states face the economic repercussions of the trade dispute, which could pose challenges in the upcoming U.S. midterms.
August Pfluger, a Texas Republican, commended Trump for bringing back manufacturing jobs and pointed fingers at Ottawa for instigating the trade conflict.
Pfluger emphasized to CBC News, “Canada is fueling this conflict. They need to be rational and have exploited the U.S. for a considerable period.”
Brian Mast, a seasoned Florida Congressman, also censured Canada for the breakdown in trade discussions.
Mast remarked to CBC News, “They were offered an exceptionally favorable deal, more generous than any other country globally, and they rejected it.”
Following the meeting, Greer declined to comment on the status of negotiations with Canada when approached by reporters.