Michigan Republicans Suffer as Trump Battles Canada

Trump's efforts to block the Gordie Howe International Bridge have hurt the state's economy and endangered GOP congressional seats.

Mar. 3, 2026 at 6:23am

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President Donald Trump's ongoing conflicts with Canada have led to a significant drop in Canadian tourism and cross-border trade, severely impacting the economy of Michigan. This has become a major problem for Republican congressional candidates in the state, who are facing backlash from voters frustrated by the economic fallout.

Why it matters

Michigan's economy is heavily reliant on Canadian visitors and cross-border trade. The 30% decline in Canadian travel to southeast Michigan has had a "detrimental impact" on the state's hotels, restaurants, and attractions. This could cost the GOP several congressional seats in the 2026 elections, including a historically Republican district that may finally flip to the Democrats.

The details

Trump's attempts to block the construction of the Gordie Howe International Bridge, which would connect Detroit to Ontario, have angered Canadian officials and led them to discourage travel to Michigan. Canadian Deputy Mayor Greg Grimes said his family and others have stopped crossing the border to shop and dine in Michigan. This drop in Canadian visitors is hurting the state's economy, with Visit Detroit CEO Claude Molinari reporting a 30% decline in Canadian travel from 2024 to 2025.

  • In 2025, there were about 10 million fewer Canadians who came to the U.S.
  • Canadian visits to southeast Michigan fell 30% from 2024 to 2025.

The players

Donald Trump

The President of the United States who has been engaged in an ongoing conflict with Canada.

Greg Grimes

The Canadian Deputy Mayor who has stopped traveling to Michigan due to the tensions with the U.S.

Claude Molinari

The CEO of Visit Detroit, who reported a 30% decline in Canadian travel to the region.

Christina Hines

The Democratic candidate running for the 10th Congressional District in Michigan, who is campaigning on repairing the relationship with Canada.

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What they’re saying

“Michigan and Ontario are uniquely connected. We should be protecting cross-border trade and cooperation—not escalating conflict.”

— Christina Hines, Democratic Candidate, 10th Congressional District

What’s next

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