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

Some U.S. commercial fishermen who once backed Donald Trump are increasingly questioning whether he’s delivering for the industry, a shift that could affect Republican prospects in competitive races in Washington, Alaska and Maine. John Evich, a fisherman in Washington and Alaska who voted for Trump three times, says rising operating costs at sea—fuel prices higher and trade tensions with Canada threatening crab markets—have undermined viability for some fisheries. Alaska fisherman Linda Behnken echoed the concern, citing higher costs this year. The article notes Trump courted fishing supporters during his terms with expanded fishing territory, tougher trade moves and deregulation, including rolling back Obama-era rules in the Northeast Canyons and Seamounts National Monument before protections were later restored by Biden and then removed again. Cutbacks to NOAA have slowed response times, and staff reductions affected weather balloons used for data. Diesel pushed toward $6 a gallon during the Iran-related war, while Canada trade complications add pressure. The story also references an early-September pledge to reduce further regulatory burdens in response to a 2025 executive order.