Michigan Senate candidate Mike Rogers defended President Donald Trump’s tariffs on Canada during a Fox News interview. He argued the policy could protect Michigan auto workers and encourage more vehicle production inside the state. Rogers also criticized Canada’s trade relationship as the host raised possible economic consequences for Michigan.
Fox News asked Rogers whether he supported Trump’s approach after the Canadian trade deal broke down.
![Mike Rogers Defends Trump's Trade War With Canada [Fox News: Fox & Friends, 8/31/26]](https://thenerdstash.com/wp-content/cache/flying-press/594dce0c12bee48e3120d78f6f4b1521.jpg)
Rogers said Michigan had benefited from previous trade agreements and recent manufacturing investment. He cited new production and additional shifts as signs of progress inside the state.
He then turned to Canadian vehicle imports and argued that Michigan should protect domestic auto production.
“The Canadians want 500,000 more Canadian-built cars pushed into Michigan,” Rogers said. “My argument is that should be absolutely unacceptable.”
Rogers said the UAW also opposed that prospect. He argued tariffs could give Michigan auto workers more opportunities to build vehicles locally.
“Don’t we want the tariffs that at least give our auto workers an opportunity to build cars right here in Michigan?” he asked.
Rogers also argued that Michigan needs a senator who can negotiate directly with Trump when trade policies affect the state. He contrasted that approach with sending someone to Washington who would constantly fight the president.
“The Canadians have not been good partners on this,” Rogers said.
He also suggested Canadian officials expect Republicans to lose the midterms. Rogers claimed Democrats would then pursue policies that undercut Michigan auto workers.
Mike Rogers Faces Backlash Over Trump’s Canada Tariffs
Rogers’ defense of the tariffs quickly drew criticism over Michigan jobs, Canada’s economic importance and his willingness to support Trump.
“Goodbye jobs in Michigan,” one user wrote. Another pointed directly to the cross-border relationship: “Nobody buys more goods from Michigan than Canada.”
Others questioned the political calculation behind Rogers’ position. “Whoever is advising Mike Rogers telling him that supporting Trump’s tariffs on Canada is a good thing for Michigan should be fired,” one response stated.
A separate user turned the criticism toward Rogers’ relationship with Trump: “Rogers is more afraid of speaking out against the attacks on Canada and pissing off the Orange Blowhard than he is of supporting the interests of Michigan.”
Rogers is continuing his Senate campaign while defending tariffs as a way to protect Michigan auto production. The trade dispute remains part of the broader argument over what approach best serves the state’s auto workers.
