USTR's Greer huddles with House Republicans amid Trump trade spats
U.S.
Trade Representative Jamieson Greer huddled with House Republicans on Wednesday as lawmakers reel from President Donald Trump's trade war with Canada and plans to import beef. "It was a good discussion, a lively discussion," Rep. Ralph Norman, R-S.C., said after exiting the meeting, saying lawmakers were "expressing their concerns about the tariffs, about Canada."
"It's not good, but I think they'll come to a conclusion on it. I think it'll be a meaningful result on this, and it may take some time; everybody's aware about the midterms, everybody knows about the timeline," he said, asked about potential escalation in the trade war with Canada.
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An escalating tit-for-tat tariff battle with Canada could harm businesses and consumers in northern border states. Meanwhile, Trump's plan to lower tariffs on 300,000 metric tons of imported beef caused an uproar among cattle ranchers, who have long been allies of the president.
Republicans are trying to defend their narrow majorities in the House and Senate while voters register discontent with the cost of living, according to public polling. "Most of the questions were regional," said Rep. Tim Burchett, R-Tenn. "I'm confident this administration is working towards resolving a lot of the problems we have, but everybody knows it's affordability."
Asked whether there are any talks ongoing with Canada, Burchett said: "It doesn't sound like there are any right now." Most Republicans who attended the meeting sought to put the ball in Canada's court to de-escalate the trade war, consistent with the White House's messaging. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said on CNBC on Wednesday that Ottawa is "trying to blow it up for these political reasons."
"You're watching them play politics in Canada, and they're just using us, and it's really embarrassing," Lutnick said. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on Tuesday blamed the Trump administration for the talks breaking down, saying the White House has been "doing memes" and "throwing shade" against his nation amid the growing trade war.
The U.S. slapped 50% tariffs on a bevy of goods in late August after trade talks broke down. Canada has since retaliated with its own tariffs. The Canadians accused the U.S. of making unreasonable demands, and the U.S. said Canada asked for changes at the last minute before the deal was to take effect.
"The United States of America gave them the best possible deal," Rep. Brian Mast, R-Fla., chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, said of Canada after the Greer meeting. "The opportunity sits for them to come to the table."