Michigan Voters Concerned About Trade Impact with Canada

It’s just after noon at Richfield Bowl, located on the outskirts of Flint, Mich., and the sounds of bowling balls rolling and pins crashing fill the spacious hall.

Here, strikes and spares matter a lot. So do splits. And not just when two pins are still standing.

“President [Donald] Trump’s trying to keep American jobs here instead of sending them overseas,” said Scott Holmes, just before his turn to bowl.

“My son lost his job a few months back because they moved it over to Africa.”

His teammate Dick Hunt views the U. S. president’s tariffs differently.

“In the end, we’re the ones who pay for it,” he said.

WATCH | Michigan residents react to the Canada-U. S. trade war:

How the Canada-U. S. trade war is playing out in Michigan

Michigan has been one of the states most affected by the Canada-U. S. trade war, which could become a significant topic for voters in this year’s midterm elections.

recently visited Michigan to gauge how Americans feel about the tariff conflict with Canada – their largest export market.

MAGA supporter Tina Bentley expresses confidence in how the president is managing the economy.

“I believe he’s a smart man. And I think he cares 100 percent about America,” she said.

“To me, God didn’t use perfect people to do his work. He used folks like Trump for that.”

Tina Bentley says she trusts U. S. President Donald Trump – and God – to act in America’s best interest. (Gian Paolo Mendoza/CBC)

A few lanes down, long-time bowler Peggy Banks strongly disagrees.

“Our tariffs haven’t helped anyone except made everything more expensive,” she stated.

Bowling league-mate Lisa Mc Fadden agreed with her nodding head.

“I think now everyone is starting to realize this whether you’re a Democrat or Republican because it’s impacting everyone’s finances,” she noted.

Trump’s tariffs taking center stage

Michigan, home to much of the auto industry, faces serious consequences from this trade dispute. Just this month, a study from the U. S. National Taxpayer Union Foundation indicated that Michigan households bear some of the highest tariff costs nationwide.

This places additional pressure on an already fiercely competitive race for U. S. Senate happening this November amidst an escalating trade conflict.

Democratic Sen. Gary Peters isn’t running for re-election this year. Keeping Michigan’s seat is essential for Democrats aiming to regain control of the Senate during Trump’s second term. Republicans are eager to flip that seat red.

Polls indicate that both candidates are currently very close in standings.

Nods to Flint’s auto manufacturing history can be seen throughout town. (Gian Paolo Mendoza/CBC)

Abdul El-Sayed, viewed as a progressive choice within Democratic circles, aims to leverage Michiganders’ frustrations stemming from this trade war during his campaign efforts by frequently mentioning Canada while criticizing Trump as an “asshole” for initiating conflicts with their northern neighbor.

“People don’t want prices rising on things they need,” El-Sayed told while campaigning in Waterford, Mich., on Thursday.
WATCH | Trump’s ‘vanity trade war’ not popular with Michigan voters: Abdul El-Sayed:Abdul El-Sayed says Michigan voters not happy with Trump’s ‘vanity trade war’The retaliatory tariffs set by Canada are scheduled to start at 12:01 a. m ET on September 8th; how will this significant retaliation be received across borders? CBC has an exclusive interview lined up with Abdul El-Sayed-the Democratic nominee for Senate-and Power & Politics will also speak with former U. S ambassador James Blanchard.

The Democrat-who fondly recalls watching Hockey Night in Canada as a child and has affection for lacrosse-hasn’t ruled out all tariffs completely.
He pointed out duties on windmill parts or solar rigs as examples he’d maintain if necessary for growing renewable energy industries within his state.

‘But that’s because you’re specifically targeting certain types of industries you want protected,’ El-Sayed argued.’This situation is simply absurd overall without any clear justification.’