Former President Donald Trump has doubled down on his commitment to imposing tariffs on cars imported from China and Mexico, emphasizing their crucial role in safeguarding American automotive jobs. During an interview with Patrick Bet-David released on Thursday, Trump stated that these tariffs would be vital to protecting the U.S. auto industry. “I hope the union workers, auto workers understand that I saved their jobs,” he said.
Trump expressed deep concern over a massive car manufacturing plant in Mexico, which he describes as potentially one of the largest in the world. He fears that vehicles produced in this facility could flood the U.S. market, leaving little room for American-made cars. “That would mean that our car industry is wiped out,” Trump stated.
This isn’t the first time Trump has voiced his concerns about foreign car imports. Back in September, he proposed a whopping 200% tariff on vehicles produced by alleged Chinese factories in Mexico, a proposal he discussed at a town hall event in Flint, Michigan. He warned that if Vice President Kamala Harris were to be elected, the U.S. auto industry could face collapse within two to three years due to the shift in electric vehicle production to China.
Trump’s commitment to tariffs was further emphasized during a visit to the Detroit Economic Club in October. He reiterated his vow to revamp the industry and implement tariffs on Chinese cars, highlighting his focus on economic indicators. However, some of his statements on inflation and interest rates have been deemed inaccurate.
Trump’s stance on tariffs on cars imported from China and Mexico remains unwavering. His focus on protecting American automotive jobs and preventing foreign competition has been a consistent theme throughout his political career, even after leaving the White House. Whether these tariffs will be implemented remains to be seen, but Trump’s vocal support for them highlights the ongoing debate over trade policy and its impact on the U.S. economy.