Trump Tariffs Haunt GOP Ahead of Midterm Elections
President Trump's newly announced tariffs have put Republican candidates at risk heading into the midterms as Democrats aim to capitalize on the economic impact of Trump's trade agenda.
The administration announced double-digit tariffs on imports from 60 trading partners due to forced labor violations, which went into effect Friday. This move comes after a 50 percent tariff was imposed on certain Canadian goods in response to what the administration deemed 'discriminatory' trade measures.
Trump has also signaled more tariffs are coming, threatening a 'substantial' tariff against the European Union over its $1 billion fine against Google for noncompliance with the Digital Markets Act.
A Fox News poll found that only 33 percent of voters approve of Trump's handling of the economy. A separate Economist/YouGov poll showed 47 percent of respondents believe the economy is in a poor state, the highest level since 2023.
'This is going to be punishing for Republicans politically,' said Marc Short, former chief of staff to Mike Pence and board chair at Pence's conservative advocacy group Advancing American Freedom. The group has opposed Trump's tariffs.