US-Canada Trade War Tests Republican Candidates in Northern Border States

The ongoing trade war between the US and Canada has put Republican candidates in northern border states in a tricky position. With high gas prices and rising living costs already making affordability a major issue, President Donald Trump's escalation of tariffs against Canada has further complicated things.

Candidates in Michigan and Maine, two states that rely heavily on trade with Canada, are trying to strike a balance between appeasing the president's loyal base and reaching independent voters who have soured on his handling of the economy.

U.S. Senator Susan Collins of Maine has broken with Trump, criticizing the tit-for-tat exchange of tariffs and seeking carveouts for affected industries. In contrast, Michigan Senate candidate Mike Rogers has criticized Canada and emphasized his close relationship with the president as a way to mitigate the impact of the trade war.