House Republican Conference chair Lisa McClain of Michigan on Sunday defended the Trump administration tariffs, citing Canada’s role in helping Chinese goods avoid American duties.

On CBS Face the Nation, host Margaret Brennan noted a National Taxpayers Union Foundation finding that the tariffs had cost Michigan 23 billion dollars since January 2025, or 5619 dollars per household, and that Canada would impose new duties Tuesday on aluminum, dairy, steel, and appliances, a major Michigan market.

McClain said she shops at the same grocery stores as others and that the president seeks fairer terms. She described Canada routing Chinese products through its territory, collecting a fee, and sending them onward as if they originated elsewhere. She also said Canada has levied 250 percent taxes and tariffs on American dairy farmers since the 1990s.