Republican lawmakers in the United States have largely defended President Donald Trump’s approach to the ongoing trade dispute with Canada, while blaming the Canadian government for the breakdown of negotiations.
Dozens of Republican members of the House met privately on Capitol Hill with US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer to discuss the administration’s tariff policies. Although some GOP lawmakers are privately worried that higher tariffs could hurt their chances in the November midterm elections, those who spoke publicly after the meeting generally supported Trump’s strategy.
Texas Republican August Pfluger praised Trump’s efforts to encourage manufacturing in the United States and accused Canada of contributing to the trade conflict. He argued that Ottawa needed to take a more cooperative approach.
Florida Congressman Brian Mast also criticized Canada, saying Ottawa had rejected what he described as a highly favorable trade agreement offered by Washington.
Greer did not comment to reporters after the meeting about the current state of negotiations with Canada.
Meanwhile, Trump continued to argue that Canada had treated the United States unfairly in trade. His administration showed no immediate indication of changing its position, despite growing concerns about the economic and political consequences of the renewed trade conflict.
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