House Republicans confronted U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer behind closed doors Wednesday, pressing him on the economic damage President Trump's escalating trade war with Canada could inflict on their home states — just days before a fresh round of tariffs is set to hit.
According to Politico, Greer fielded pointed questions from members at the Republican Study Committee's weekly lunch, particularly from lawmakers representing northern border states with deep economic ties to Canada. One attendee, who is keeping their identity confidential, said members had "a lot of questions" and "it's one of those things that's going to get settled. The question is when."
Canada plans to hit back with "dollar-for-dollar" counter-tariffs starting September 8, deliberately targeting states and industries with political weight in Washington, including Michigan, Maine and New Hampshire, all home to competitive congressional races this cycle. Michigan Rep. John James, currently running for governor, raised specific concerns about the fallout for his state.
"Canada is a very important trading partner with the United States of America and Michigan, and we have to make sure that we repair the wrongs of learning the past without cratering our future," James said.
Lawmakers also pushed back on Trump's separate plan to boost beef imports to lower grocery prices, with Rep. Zach Nunn (R-IA) warning it could hurt American ranchers and vowing to raise the issue directly with Trump during a White House visit later that day.
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) defended the trade standoff, placing blame squarely on Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney for walking away from negotiations last month, a collapse that triggered 50 percent tariffs on roughly $20 billion in Canadian goods.
Greer, for his part, tried to downplay the tension in the room, insisting members weren't frustrated so much as looking for better ways to message Trump's policies back home. RSC Chair August Pfluger (R-TX) indicated the conversation is far from over, suggesting more follow-up sessions between Greer and concerned lawmakers are already in the works as the trade war continues escalating.