Jackson Slams Collins Over Trump Tariffs in Tight Maine Senate Race

Maine Democratic Senate candidate Troy Jackson criticized Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) during their first debate for securing a tariff exemption on road salt from President Donald Trump, arguing that the move didn’t address broader economic concerns. Collins defended her efforts, noting she had successfully removed concrete, pulp, and road salt from the tariff list imposed on Canadian goods. The U.S. tariffs, which took effect in August, led to retaliatory measures from Canada, impacting Maine’s economy, where 41% of exports went to Canada in 2025.

Jackson countered that Collins’ achievement was insufficient, stating, 'We can’t eat road salt,' and emphasizing the broader economic fallout from the tariffs. He also questioned Collins’ stance on other issues, such as potential conflicts with Iran, suggesting they could further strain Maine’s economy. The debate highlighted the tight race between the two candidates, with recent polls showing a narrow lead for Jackson.

Collins, chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, argued that she had been working behind the scenes to mitigate the tariffs’ impact. However, Jackson criticized her for not standing up to Trump on the broader trade issues, stating, 'I’m not gonna give her credit for getting one thing back when we have thousands of things that people are having to pay more money for.' The exchange underscored the economic stakes for Maine, where trade with Canada is crucial.