Fishermen who backed Trump now question his policies

Commercial fishermen who once supported President Donald Trump are increasingly questioning his policies, citing high fuel costs, trade hostilities with Canada, and cuts to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) that have hurt their industry. Rising diesel prices, now around $6 per gallon, and the trade war with Canada have burdened fishermen, while NOAA budget cuts have slowed regulatory responses and reduced weather data collection. These issues are creating political risks for Republicans in competitive races in Alaska, Washington, and Maine. Trump has courted fishermen with deregulation and expanded fishing territory, but industry analysts say disruption from tariffs and agency cuts is eroding support. Some fishermen, like John Evich, a three-time Trump voter, say they would switch candidates if a better option emerged.