Vance Dodges Tariff Talk in Wisconsin Visit

Vice President Vance promotes Trump's economic agenda but avoids discussion of controversial trade policies.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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Vice President JD Vance visited a machining plant in Plover, Wisconsin, as part of a post-State of the Union tour aimed at shoring up support for vulnerable Republican Congressman Derrick Van Orden. However, Vance notably avoided mentioning the word "tariffs" during his speech, despite the significant impact Trump-era trade policies have had on Wisconsin's manufacturing and agricultural sectors.

Why it matters

Tariffs imposed by the Trump administration have been a major source of concern for Wisconsin businesses and workers, with a majority of the state's voters saying the tariffs have hurt farmers. Vance's omission of this key issue suggests the administration is trying to downplay the negative effects of its trade policies ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.

The details

Vance's speech focused on promoting the Trump administration's economic agenda and attacking Democrats, but he did not address the impact of tariffs on Wisconsin's economy. Local business leaders, such as Sachin Shivaram of Wisconsin Aluminum Foundry and Kyle LaFond of American Provenance, have criticized the tariffs for causing "chaos and uncertainty" and hurting American consumers.

  • Vance visited the Plover, Wisconsin machining plant on February 27, 2026.
  • The Marquette University Law School poll released the day before Vance's visit showed Trump's approval rating at a second-term low in Wisconsin, with 55% of respondents saying the tariffs are hurting farmers.

The players

JD Vance

The current Vice President of the United States, who is part of the Trump administration and is touring the Midwest to promote the administration's economic policies.

Derrick Van Orden

A Republican U.S. Congressman representing Wisconsin's 3rd congressional district, who Vance was visiting to shore up support ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.

Sachin Shivaram

The CEO of Wisconsin Aluminum Foundry, a Wisconsin-based company with locations across the Midwest, who has criticized the Trump administration's tariff policies.

Kyle LaFond

The owner and founder of American Provenance and Natural Contract Manufacturing, a small business that makes personal care products, who has also criticized the impact of tariffs on his business.

Tammy Baldwin

A Democratic U.S. Senator from Wisconsin who spoke out against the Trump administration's tariff policies ahead of Vance's visit.

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What they’re saying

“I can tell you from my experience running our company, from everyone I talk to in my networks — 95 percent of people in manufacturing — 99 percent do not support the tariffs.”

— Sachin Shivaram, CEO of Wisconsin Aluminum Foundry

“Last year, when these tariffs were first instituted, I absorbed those costs as much as possible. I did that for about eight months. But that is not a sustainable business practice.”

— Kyle LaFond, Owner and founder of American Provenance and Natural Contract Manufacturing

What’s next

The Trump administration has threatened to withhold Medicaid funding from Wisconsin if the state does not hand over sensitive personal information of food assistance recipients and voters, a move that could further harm rural healthcare access.

The takeaway

Vance's avoidance of the tariff issue during his Wisconsin visit suggests the Trump administration is trying to downplay the negative economic impacts of its trade policies, even as they continue to hurt manufacturers, farmers, and consumers in the state.