GOP scrambles to ease blow from Trump’s trade war

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump’s allies on Capitol Hill are scrambling to soften the blow from his trade war with China amid mounting anxiety from farm-state lawmakers.

They fear that the protracted battle and escalating tariffs could irreparably damage their local economies.

Vice President Mike Pence met privately Tuesday with Senate Republicans for a second week in a row. He urged them to stick with the White House.

Senators are working with the administration to craft a relief package for farmers and ranchers, some $15 billion that Trump announced this week would be coming soon. Details of the package remain in flux.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell says the one thing all agree on is “nobody wins a trade war.”

McConnell says there’s hope Trump’s tough tactics will produce a better deal.