Wisconsin Sen. Ron Johnson, President Trump don’t see eye-to-eye on trade

Johnson wants open trade, while Trump wishes to renegotiate deals

There’s clearly going to be some disagreements between a President Donald Trump and members of his own party.

Newly re-elected Wisconsin Sen. Ron Johnson is one of those who might part ways a little with Trump on tackling free-trade issues, right away.

Johnson sees open trade as essential for the nation, though he gets why Trump would want to renegotiate some deals.

“There’s no doubt about the fact that our trading partners sometimes abuse privilege,” Johnson said on WIZM Thursday afternoon. “And, there certainly are unfair trade practices, which we need to clamp down on.

“These trade deals, they take some time, so we’ll worry about that later. But let’s, right now, reduce the regulatory burden is the first step in healing our economy.”

Johnson, however, said he’d prefer dealing with issues like regulatory reform in the U.S. as a way toward improving the business climate in the nation.  

Johnson says he doesn’t share Trump’s stated animosity towards most open trade.

“I’m happy to let President Trump try to negotiate better trade deals,” Johnson said, “But we need to be engaged in our global economy. 

“The last thing I want is a bunch of actions that would result in protectionism and trade wars. I’m going to continues to encourage Trump, once he assumes office, that we do engage in free and fair trade.”

Johnson added that he would like to, first, pursue lower regulations and a better tax system in America as a way of improving the nation’s business climate.