US fishermen hit by soaring diesel costs and NOAA cuts, eroding Trump support in key states

Commercial fishermen across the U.S. are struggling with soaring diesel prices, trade hostilities with Canada, and cuts to NOAA, leading to growing dissatisfaction with President Donald Trump ahead of the midterm elections. This discontent could hurt Republicans in competitive races in Washington, Alaska, and Maine. Fuel costs have risen to around $6 per gallon, up from under $4 a year ago, making trips economically unviable, while NOAA faces a proposed budget cut of over 40% for fiscal 2027, slowing fisheries management and reducing weather data. Fishermen like John Evich, a three-time Trump voter, say they would switch support if a better candidate emerged, citing the high cost of doing business. Trump has historically courted fishermen with deregulation and expanded fishing territory, but recent disruptions, including tariffs and staff cutbacks, have eroded support. Industry analysts note that Canada, the U.S.'s largest seafood trading partner, remains a key concern, and some fishermen sarcastically thank Trump for the economic pressures.