Republicans back Trump in Canada trade dispute

Republican members of Congress are publicly supporting U.S. President Donald Trump’s approach to tariffs on Canada, even as some privately worry the dispute could hurt their chances in the 2026 midterm elections. Several GOP lawmakers met on Capitol Hill with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and then defended the administration’s position, blaming Prime Minister Mark Carney’s government for the breakdown in talks. Texas Rep. August Pfluger and Florida Rep. Brian Mast both said Canada had failed to accept what they described as a generous offer. Trump also reiterated his criticism of Canada’s banking rules, saying the country restricts U.S. banks while Canadian banks operate in the United States. One Republican, South Carolina Rep. Ralph Norman, said voters in his state are more focused on affordability and that tariffs can affect prices for housing, fuel and other costs.