President Donald Trump's economic policies drew fresh concern from some Republicans this weekend, as others sidestepped questions about his broader approach amid a midterm election focused on consumer prices.

Representative Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee, a Republican running in a competitive Senate race, reiterated her opposition to Mr. Trump's announcement lowering tariffs on up to 300,000 metric tons of imported ground beef, claiming it would push down costs. "We need to focus on affordability, but I think this isn't the way to do that," Ms. Blackburn told Fox News, arguing it would hurt domestic cattle ranchers.

Senator Deb Fischer of Nebraska, considered vulnerable, implored Mr. Trump to reverse course on Canadian import taxes after trade talks collapsed. "If the Administration proceeds with these tariffs, they will increase costs for American families," she wrote. Gov. Sam Brownback of Kansas refused to grade Mr. Trump on the economy, saying "people are not talking to me about Trump" on the campaign trail.

The comments reflect geographic sensitivities ahead of November elections in battleground states. The White House did not respond to comment requests. Former Vice President Dick Cheney expressed concern about the trade standoff, saying "The last thing we need right now is a trade war with Canada."