Portland Press Herald

Rep. Jared Golden, D-Maine, whose district covers the state's entire northern border with Canada, is siding with President Trump in an escalating tariff dispute with Ottawa. Golden told the Portland Press Herald that if Canada believes it is "better off without our goods," he wishes them luck, predicting the standoff "won't go well" for Canada in the long run. Golden, first elected in 2018, is not seeking reelection in 2026, citing threats against his family.

The dispute has intensified after trade talks between Washington and Ottawa broke down. Trump has threatened 50% tariffs on Canadian goods, accusing Canada of "ripping off" the U.S. for decades and imposing tariffs exceeding 400% on American farmers. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has vowed matching retaliatory measures. Golden's stance breaks from most Democrats who oppose Trump's tariff approach, but fits his record of independence from party lines, reflecting the economic and personal ties his border constituents share with Canada.

Retiring Rep. Jared Golden (D-Maine), whose district borders Canada, broke with most Democrats to back President Trump's escalating trade fight with Canada, saying Canada "won't" fare well if it thinks it can do without US goods. Golden had previously supported Trump's tariffs on Canada earlier this year.

The dispute intensified after Trump imposed a 50% tariff on roughly $20 billion in Canadian goods, including beer, cheese, and electronics, following the collapse of bilateral trade talks. Canada responded with plans to match the tariffs dollar for dollar starting September 8, targeting hundreds of American product categories with duties ranging from 15% to 50%. The Trump administration has threatened further retaliation if Canada's countermeasures proceed.

Most of Maine's congressional delegation, including Sen. Susan Collins, has criticized the trade fight, warning of harm to the state's lobster industry. Trump has called Canada the most difficult trading partner he has dealt with and recently signed an order renaming Lake Ontario "Lake America." Canada remains the top US trading partner, though trade is proportionally more vital to its economy than to America's.

Rep. Jared Golden (D-Maine) has broken with most House Democrats to back President Trump's escalating tariff threats against Canada, warning that Canadian retaliation would ultimately backfire. The comments come as U.S.-Canada trade talks have broken down and Trump has threatened 50% tariffs on Canadian imports, prompting Prime Minister Mark Carney to pledge to match any U.S. penalties "dollar for dollar."

Golden, who represents a rural, working-class district bordering Canada, told the Portland Press Herald that if Canada believes it's better off without U.S. goods, "I wish them good luck," predicting it "won't go well for them" in the long run. Golden, a Marine veteran first elected in 2018, has previously supported protectionist trade measures and has announced he will not seek reelection, citing safety concerns for his family. His stance marks a notable split within the Democratic Party over the administration's trade conflict with Ottawa.

Rep. Jared Golden (D-Maine) reaffirmed his support for President Trump's tariff standoff with Canada, warning that retaliation "won't go well" for the country. The comments follow the Trump administration's imposition of a 50 percent tariff on $20 billion in Canadian imports after trade talks broke down, with Trump also threatening 50 percent tariffs on vehicles and auto parts starting January 1. U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said Canada's demands were "too much." Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney responded with matching retaliatory tariffs effective September 8, targeting Maine exports including pulp, paper, and lobster.

Golden, who is not seeking reelection, was the only House Democrat to vote against repealing Trump's Canada tariffs. Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) called the tariffs "a mistake," while Democratic state Auditor Matt Dunlap used the dispute to attack Republican gubernatorial rival Paul LePage. Strategists warn the trade war could complicate Republican affordability messaging ahead of the midterms.