Tariffs Return as Key Issue 10 Weeks Before Midterms, Frustrating Republicans

With ten weeks until the midterm elections, President Trump has brought tariffs back into the political spotlight, frustrating Republican lawmakers who had hoped the unpopular policy would fade from headlines. The renewed focus threatens the party's chances in key states. Trump's trade war with Canada and the loosening of imported beef tariffs have drawn sharp criticism from Republican senators in agricultural states, including John Barrasso, Tom Cotton, Deb Fischer, and Susan Collins. They warn the measures will hurt American ranchers and raise prices, with Collins calling the new Canadian tariffs a mistake. Republican strategists say the tariffs appear chaotic and create unnecessary confusion, offering little help to candidates facing high inflation. The party fears the trade disputes and Trump's low approval ratings could cost them control of the House and Senate in November.