Trump tried to make an ally out of fishermen. Some have started to turn on him

Maine Fishermen Voice Growing Frustration with Trump’s Policies

Portland, Maine – In a time when the state’s House and Senate seats are poised to flip, a growing chorus of commercial fishermen is casting doubt on former President Donald Trump’s claim of being a “fisherman’s friend.” While the former president has long promoted himself as a champion of the industry, rising fuel prices, trade tensions with Canada, and cuts to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) are eroding that goodwill across the nation’s coastlines.

From the Frontlines

John Evich, a seasoned commercial fisherman who has spent years hauling crabs in the waters off Washington and Alaska, has voted for Trump three times. “If somebody came along that was going to do a better job, I would vote for them in a heartbeat,” he told reporters. He added, “I’m for whatever has to happen for the greater good in the long run for my family and my country.” Evich’s comments capture a growing sentiment among fishermen who feel the weight of higher operational costs.

Linda Behnken, executive director of the Alaska Longline Fishermen’s Association, echoed that frustration. “Having those costs be so much higher this year has really undermined the viability of some of our fisheries,” she said. She also criticized NOAA staff reductions that have left her and other Alaskan fishers “doing the work of three people, particularly at the weather service.” Behnken stressed that the agency’s understaffing “makes it hard to retain good people when their future at the organization is that uncertain.”

In Maine, Patrice McCarron, executive director of the Maine Lobstermen’s Association, warned that the trade war with Canada could make U.S. lobstermen collateral damage in a broader dispute. “Canada exempted U.S. fish and seafood products from its counter‑tariffs, but the threat still looms,” McCarron told the press.

Steve Train, a lobster fisherman from Long Island, Maine, described himself as a “right‑leaning centrist” who has voted Republican more often than Democrat. “I get the standing up to a bully concept, but too many people will be caught in the middle of this,” he said. “Both sides need to reconsider these tariffs, and they need to reconsider soon.”

Fuel, Weather, and Trade: Three Pillars of Pressure

The cost of diesel has surged to around $6 per gallon, up from below $4 a year ago, a rise tied to the war in the Middle East. For a fleet that relies almost exclusively on marine diesel, the price jump is a direct threat to profitability. Bonnie Brady, executive director of the Long Island Commercial Fishing Association, described the high price of fuel as “one of the most immediate pressures on us as commercial fishermen.” She added, “Actual dockside marine‑fuel prices vary, but the magnitude of the increase is undeniable. It determines whether a trip is economically viable, what the crew earns and whether necessary vessel maintenance can be performed.”

Trade tensions have further complicated the sector. Canada, the United States’ largest seafood trading partner, had initially exempted U.S. fish and seafood products from its counter‑tariffs following the U.S. imposition of tariffs on Canadian goods. However, the potential for future tariffs remains a source of anxiety for fishermen who rely on Canadian markets and suppliers. “Both sides need to reconsider these tariffs, and they need to reconsider soon,” Train repeated.

NOAA’s Reduced Role

Trump’s administration also targeted NOAA, cutting the agency’s budget by more than 40% in the proposed fiscal 2027 plan. The cuts would slash science programs, fisheries management, and data collection. As a result, fishermen have reported slower responses to their needs. “The agency is understaffed, which slows down our ability to get critical data and weather forecasts,” said John Sackton, founder of SeafoodNews.com and longtime industry analyst. Sackton added that reduced weather balloons have made forecasting more difficult for crews who rely on precise data to navigate dangerous waters.

Implications for 2026 Elections

Maine, along with Washington and Alaska, has become a battleground in the 2026 midterms. Republicans are keenly aware that the fishing industry could tip the scales in competitive House and Senate races. However, the current dissatisfaction among fishermen—particularly in Maine’s coastal counties—could erode the traditional Republican base.

Trump’s recent promise to reduce regulatory burdens, following a 2025 executive order, signals continued outreach to the industry. Yet, critics argue that the promised changes come too late and are insufficient to counteract the economic pressures that have surged in recent months.

A Community in Transition

“Now what’s happened is that there has been this unbelievable wave of disruption from everything—targeting NOAA and fisheries, science and the weather reporting that people rely on,” said John Sackton. The industry’s shift toward “turning the page” on the Trump administration, he suggested, reflects a broader desire for stability and reliable support.

As Maine’s electorate weighs its choices in 2026, the voices of fishermen like Evich, Behnken, Brady, and McCarron will play an increasingly pivotal role. Their concerns underscore the intersection of local livelihoods and national policy—a dynamic that will shape the state’s political future.