Republican Senate candidate Mike Rogers is trying to strike a subtle balance on Donald Trump’s tariffs, arguing that some are necessary while recognizing that others could hurt Michigan.
Rogers has said Trump’s tariffs might help protect Michigan workers and manufacturers, particularly in the auto industry. But he is now also promising that, if elected, he would work with Trump to eliminate tariffs that he believes are harming the state, CNN reports.
At a recent appearance, Rogers pointed to tariffs affecting products including cherries, sugar beets and manufacturing as examples of policies that he believes can benefit Michigan. He said he would distinguish between tariffs that work and those that don’t.
That puts Rogers in a somewhat awkward position. He continues to defend Trump’s broader tariff strategy—saying tariffs are “necessary” but not a catch-all solution—while simultaneously campaigning on his ability to push back when Trump’s trade policies hurt Michigan.
And there’s some history worth remembering here. Rogers has not always sounded like a politician inclined to embrace Trump’s protectionist approach. His previous support for trade agreements makes his current attempt to carve out a more detailed position on tariffs particularly notable.
With Michigan’s economy deeply tied to trade with Canada, Rogers is now attempting to argue that he can support Trump’s trade agenda while also protecting Michigan from its consequences.
Rogers’ flip flop is being called out:
Must have had one too many of those LaBatts, Mike. You cheerled this tariff war from the beginning and you’re flip-flopping now because your poll numbers are in free fall.
Donald is the reason we’re in a trade war. And he’s the reason you’re running.
Not a serious person.
— Dr. Abdul El-Sayed (@AbdulElSayed) October 7, 2026
Amash has a point:
These ads tell you everything you need to know about who’s winning this race, and they’re another reminder that Mike Rogers will say or do anything for power.
But no amount of flip-flopping can save a candidate so fundamentally unappealing to the general electorate in Michigan.
— Justin Amash (@justinamash) October 7, 2026
@MikeRogersForMI https://t.co/od1ktutuzq
— This You? (@Thiss_Youu) October 7, 2026
And again:
President Trump’s tariff policies put the American people back in the driver’s seat.
More manufacturing jobs, $2000 dividend checks in your pockets, and paying down our national debt. America is winning again!
— Mike Rogers (@MikeRogersForMI) November 9, 2025
Last month, Rogers said the Iran war needs to end quickly.
Slowly, they turn, step by step.
UPDATE:
LEAKED AUDIO: Mike Rogers was caught mocking Michiganders’ concerns as Trump’s tariffs spiked grocery prices, saying “Oh my gosh, coffee went up. You know, horror!” https://t.co/y6GKTh3sDT
— Michigan Democrats (@MichiganDems) October 7, 2026