News

Freeland’s coming back to DC; Grassley says farmers still support Trump

Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland says she’s returning to Washington later this week to continue NAFTA negotiations.

Freeland told reporters she will be meeting with her U.S. counterpart, U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer.

Meanwhile, Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley briefed reporters today on a conversation he had Monday with Lighthizer, regarding the talks with Canada. Grassley said Lighthizer remains optimistic that a deal can be reached, but admitted the dairy issue is still problematic.

“It’s tough, at this point,” Grassley said. “Very tough.”

Grassley was asked if Iowa farmers are expressing frustration to him about the ongoing trade disputes with Canada, China and others.

“Not yet. I’ve been surprised,” Grassley said. “Even some farmers saying, ‘It hurts us, the way the President’s approaching it, but his goal is worthy.’”

Grassley does not see farmers abandoning Trump over trade concerns, a view he says is based on his town hall meetings with constituents.

AUDIO: Excerpts from Grassley’s Tuesday morning conference call with reporters