Trump visits Michigan as new Canada tariffs hit home

MILFORD, Mich. (AP) — President Donald Trump will visit a General Motors facility near Detroit on Monday to defend his economic policies. The trip comes as new tariffs on Canadian goods take effect, potentially hurting businesses in a state that relies heavily on trade with Canada. Michigan was a key battleground state that Trump won in 2024. But his sweeping tariffs—taxes on imported goods—now include levies as high as 50% on Canadian products, including cars and auto parts. That has created new economic concerns in a state where inflation remains high and gas prices are rising again. Trump is visiting Oakland County, a once-Republican area that has leaned Democratic in recent elections. The White House says he will highlight manufacturing jobs and foreign investment under his leadership. The visit comes during Michigan's primary election season. Early voting is underway for the Aug. 4 primary. Republican Rep. John James, backed by Trump, faces businessman Perry Johnson in the GOP gubernatorial race. Johnson is holding a "Trump Tailgate" outside the president's event despite not receiving his endorsement. On the Democratic side, Rep. Haley Stevens faces progressive Abdul El-Sayed in a closely watched Senate primary. The winner will face Republican Mike Rogers, who narrowly lost to Democratic Sen. Elissa Slotkin in 2024. Trump's new tariffs on Canada followed a dispute over fentanyl smuggling and Canadian retaliation against earlier U.S. tariffs. The Supreme Court struck down many of Trump's earlier tariffs, but his administration has found new ways to impose them. Tensions with Canada have also affected the opening of the new Gordie Howe International Bridge connecting Detroit and Windsor, Ontario. A planned joint celebration was canceled after Trump announced the latest tariffs. This is Trump's third trip to Michigan in his second term. His approval ratings have slipped, and many voters are unhappy with his handling of the economy, according to recent polls.