A heated exchange erupted on Wednesday between billionaire entrepreneur Mark Cuban and former President Donald Trump advisor Stephen Miller, fueled by Trump’s recent comments about automotive manufacturing and workers’ skills. The controversy ignited after Vice President Kamala Harris’ campaign shared a video clip in which Trump suggested that auto assembly work was so straightforward that “children could do it.”
Cuban, known for his role on “Shark Tank” and his sharp business acumen, vehemently criticized Trump’s grasp of modern manufacturing. “He still thinks it’s 1965,” Cuban wrote. “It’s obvious he has no idea what it takes to manufacture any advanced product, car or otherwise.”
Miller stepped in to defend Trump, claiming the clip was “deceptively edited” and asserting that Trump was actually criticizing European automakers’ trade practices, not belittling American workers. However, Cuban countered by directly highlighting Mercedes-Benz’s substantial U.S. manufacturing presence. “The Mercedes plant is in the USA. The workers are American,” Cuban responded. “He said a child could do the job of an American worker. That’s an insult.”
Cuban further solidified his argument by providing detailed information about Mercedes-Benz’s manufacturing facility in Vance, Alabama. This plant, known as Mercedes-Benz U.S. International (MBUSI), represents a multi-billion dollar investment and employs thousands of American workers. The facility produces various models, including the GLE, GLS, and electric vehicles, while leveraging advanced manufacturing techniques such as the “One Man – One Engine” philosophy for AMG models.
Nobel laureate economist Paul Krugman also joined the debate, suggesting that Trump’s comments reflected a fundamental misunderstanding of modern automotive manufacturing practices. Krugman emphasized that while some countries do utilize “completely knocked down” assembly practices due to tariff structures, this doesn’t diminish the complexity and skill involved in modern auto manufacturing.
The exchange ultimately underscored the broader debate surrounding automotive manufacturing practices and their economic impact on the United States, particularly as the industry undergoes a significant shift towards electric vehicle production and advanced manufacturing techniques. The controversy shines a light on the evolving nature of American manufacturing and raises questions about the future of American jobs in the face of changing technology and global trade dynamics.