Congressman Available for Interviews
Interview opportunity with Jim Renacci, former U.S. Congressman (R-OH) on Budget and House Ways and Means Committees| Fiscal Conservative | Pro-Trade Republican
Why Trump Threatening Canada Over a Bridge Hurts America
Strong Leadership Isn’t Thuggery
President Trump is threatening to block or delay the opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge between the U.S. and Canada unless Canada makes concessions, including ownership demands and trade-related compensation. The move has sparked backlash from state leaders, trade experts, and allies.
Jim Renacci argues that strong leadership does not require strong-arming our closest ally. While fair trade matters, using coercive, thug-like tactics against Canada undermines American credibility, hurts U.S. workers, and contradicts conservative, pro-business principles.
KEY TALKING POINTS For Interview:
- This isn’t “America First”—it’s America Isolated
Canada is our largest trading partner and closest ally. Threatening infrastructure already built and funded largely by Canada sends a dangerous message to allies and investors. - Conservatives believe in leverage, not extortion
Renacci distinguishes tough negotiation from threats that resemble strong-arm tactics, warning that blurring that line damages long-term U.S. influence. - Michigan and Midwest workers lose first
Delaying the bridge hurts supply chains, auto manufacturing, and cross-border commerce—especially in the industrial Midwest. - Rule of law matters
The bridge followed established agreements and approvals. Reneging after the fact weakens trust in U.S. commitments and contracts. - You don’t punch your best teammate
Renacci emphasizes that allies should be pressured through diplomacy and policy—not public threats that sound more like intimidation than leadership.
Relevant Article(s):
Top Michigan Republicans defend Trump’s Gordie Howe Bridge threats
What Gov. Whitmer said in response to Trump’s threat to block opening of Gordie Howe Bridge
WHY RENACCI IS A CREDIBLE VOICE on Trump:
- Republican businessman who understands trade, logistics, and economic growth
- Not a political outsider throwing stones—he’s a conservative calling for conservative discipline
- Willing to say what many Republicans won’t: strength without wisdom becomes recklessness
- Sat on House Budget Committee so adept at fiscal matters
SUGGESTED INTERVIEW QUESTIONS:
- Is Trump’s bridge threat smart negotiation—or political intimidation?
- How does this impact Midwest manufacturing and trade?
- Can Republicans criticize Trump without helping Democrats?
- What does real conservative leadership look like with allies?
- How might this aggressive approach against our #1 trading partner backfire?
SOUND BITE READY:
“You don’t treat your closest ally like a mob boss treats a debtor. That’s not strength—that’s short-term thinking that costs America in the long run.”
FORMAT:
Radio • Cable News • Podcasts • Business & Political Panels
ABOUT JIM RENACCI…
In 2010, Jim filed to run for U.S. Congress in Ohio’s 16th Congressional District, taking on a well-funded Democratic incumbent. Jim won the election by 9 percent.
While in Congress, Jim earned a reputation for being a principled conservative and effective legislator. He quickly rose through the ranks to serve on the Committee on Financial Services, as vice-chair of the Subcommittee on Financial Institutions and Consumer Credit, and as a member of the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations. After just two years, Jim was named to the powerful Ways and Means Committees and Budget Committees.
Not only did the blue-collar entrepreneur realize his own dream, but Jim also became the answer to countless Ohioans. As can only happen in America, the Ohioan entrepreneur soon laid claim to operate over 60 businesses, creating 1,500 new jobs, employing over 3,000 people statewide.
But politics had other plans. In 2009, the Obama Administration took over General Motors, shuttering dealerships across the country— including Jim’s in Northeast Ohio. Shutting down Jim’s dealership killed 50 good-paying jobs in his community — and Jim wasn’t going to stand by while neighbors were going hungry. How could Washington blatantly interfere in the everyday lives of hard-working Americans who wanted nothing more but their own chance at the American Dream?
Jim’s track record as a blue-collar entrepreneur demonstrates his only allegiance has ever been to the very people who D.C. bureaucrats forcibly unemployed that fateful day in an Ohio car dealership — the everyday Americans forgotten by the Swamp. He represents the people’s hopes and fears, bringing actionable results back to the working people who gave him a voice.
CONTACT:
Todd Baumann of Special Guests at 512-966-0983 todd@specialguests.com
Or Jerry McGlothlin 919-437-0001 jerry@specialguests.com
Interview, Interview, Interview, Interview
