Trump tariff plans and beef policy raise concerns among some Republicans

Trump’s economic and trade agenda is drawing concern from some Republicans as the 2026 midterm elections approach, with prices and the cost of living becoming a central voter issue, according to The New York Times on Aug. 23. Republican Rep. Ashley Hinson, who is running for the U.S. Senate in Iowa, reiterated her opposition to Trump’s recent plan to cut tariffs on as much as 300,000 tons of imported beef over the next 90 days. She said the move could hurt domestic ranchers. Her stance was echoed by Iowa Sen. Chuck Grassley and two Nebraska senators, who also opposed lowering tariffs on beef imports. Montana Sen. Tim Sheehy said he had advised Trump against the move over the past year. Concerns inside the party widened after trade talks with Canada collapsed and the Trump administration imposed a 50% tariff on some Canadian goods. Maine Sen. Susan Collins urged Trump to roll back the tariffs, saying they would eventually raise costs for families and businesses in her state. Former Vice President Mike Pence said the U.S. does not need a trade war with Canada. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott avoided a direct assessment of Trump’s economic performance, saying Americans want lower prices and that Trump is moving in that direction. Tim Scott, who leads the Senate Republicans’ campaign arm, also did not directly answer a question about whether tariffs would raise household costs, instead pointing to policy differences between Republicans and Democrats. The report said Republicans in swing states such as Iowa and Maine face mounting political pressure as the economy, prices and Trump’s economic policies become major issues in the 2026 midterm campaign.