NRCC launches digital ad campaign targeting Democrats who oppose Trump's tariffs

President Donald Trump speaks during the National Republican Congressional Committee's annual President's Dinner at Union Station in Washington, March 25, 2026. Jim Watson | AFP | Getty Images

With fewer than 100 days remaining before the 2026 midterm elections, Republicans are seizing on an unexpected issue to challenge their Democratic colleagues: tariffs.

Ad Campaign Details

The National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) on Tuesday launched a digital advertising campaign — shared exclusively with CNBC — targeting vulnerable House Democrats and Democratic candidates in competitive districts who oppose President Donald Trump's tariffs on China and other countries.

The ads attempt to link Democratic opposition to Trump's tariffs with support for China. However, the targeted lawmakers have largely opposed the White House's import duties on the grounds that they increase costs for American consumers and harm agricultural producers and U.S. allies.

"House Democrats had a simple choice: stand with American workers or side with Communist China. They chose China. Voters won't forget who stood with American workers and who stood with Beijing," NRCC spokesperson Mike Marinella said in a statement.

The ads will run on social media in 15 districts across California, Maine, Michigan, Missouri, Nevada, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. They feature the words "China first. America last" alongside images of battleground Democrats. The NRCC described the effort as a "modest ad buy" but declined to disclose the amount spent.

Political Context

The campaign comes as both parties compete for congressional control in the final months of the election year. Republicans are working to overcome Trump's low approval ratings and widespread economic anxiety to maintain their narrow House majority. Democrats are widely favored to retake the chamber.

Tariff Policy Background

Trump has made tariffs a cornerstone of his second-term economic policy. He recently reimposed import duties on dozens of countries and the European Union after the Supreme Court dealt the administration a setback earlier this year by striking down many existing levies.

On Friday, the White House announced new tariffs on 60 trade partners — including China — setting import duties between 10% and 12.5%, citing alleged labor violations.

Mixed Reception

Trump argues tariffs are essential revenue-generating tools that level the playing field for U.S. businesses. However, reception to his trade policy has been mixed, even among Republicans. Inflation and consumer prices remain stubbornly high, despite Trump's promises that tariffs would create more U.S. jobs and make goods more affordable.

Some GOP members have broken with the president, voting against certain tariffs. Recent polling on Trump's trade policy and economic management has been unfavorable.

Polling Data

• CNBC's All America Economic Survey (July, 1,000 registered voters): 60% disapproved of Trump's handling of the economy; 73% rated the current state of the economy as only fair or poor.
• Harris poll for The Guardian (late February): Seven in 10 Americans said Trump's tariffs had led to higher prices.

Industry Support

Some industry groups have welcomed the tariffs, including the Coalition for a Prosperous America, a lobbying group representing U.S. manufacturing companies seeking greater federal protection from foreign competition.