By — Associated Press Associated Press Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/watch-rollins-defends-trumps-trade-war-with-canada-while-acknowledging-concern-from-farmers Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter WATCH: Rollins defends Trump's trade war with Canada while acknowledging 'concern' from farmers Politics Aug 25, 2026 6:10 PM EDT Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins acknowledged American farmers' concerns over the escalating trade war with Canada Tuesday but insisted the United States will come out on top. Watch Rollins' remarks in the video player above. Talking to reporters outside the White House, Rollins said she's proud that President Donald Trump is "willing to stand up and make the hard decisions." WATCH: Canada announces retaliatory tariffs against the U.S. "There's no doubt that it causes concern amongst our farmers and ranchers," Rollins said, adding that there are "a lot of unknowns" in the situation. But she urged them to trust Trump, calling him the "ultimate negotiator." "He is, from my perspective, the ultimate negotiator. I've seen a lot of people doubt his decisions, and then I've seen them always work out in the trade realm especially," Rollins said. Rollins spoke shortly after Canada announced retaliatory tariffs on about $20 billion worth of American goods, responding to Trump's new tariffs on about $20 billion in Canadian imports, including dairy products. "I believe strongly that once they finish this next round of negotiations, whatever you want to call it, that America will certainly be the better for it, and that our farmers and ranchers will benefit the most," Rollins said. A free press is a cornerstone of a healthy democracy. Support trusted journalism and civil dialogue. Donate now By — Associated Press Associated Press
Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins acknowledged American farmers' concerns over the escalating trade war with Canada Tuesday but insisted the United States will come out on top. Watch Rollins' remarks in the video player above. Talking to reporters outside the White House, Rollins said she's proud that President Donald Trump is "willing to stand up and make the hard decisions." WATCH: Canada announces retaliatory tariffs against the U.S. "There's no doubt that it causes concern amongst our farmers and ranchers," Rollins said, adding that there are "a lot of unknowns" in the situation. But she urged them to trust Trump, calling him the "ultimate negotiator." "He is, from my perspective, the ultimate negotiator. I've seen a lot of people doubt his decisions, and then I've seen them always work out in the trade realm especially," Rollins said. Rollins spoke shortly after Canada announced retaliatory tariffs on about $20 billion worth of American goods, responding to Trump's new tariffs on about $20 billion in Canadian imports, including dairy products. "I believe strongly that once they finish this next round of negotiations, whatever you want to call it, that America will certainly be the better for it, and that our farmers and ranchers will benefit the most," Rollins said. A free press is a cornerstone of a healthy democracy. Support trusted journalism and civil dialogue. Donate now