Trump vows to protect auto jobs, slams electric‑car rules at GM facility

In a speech to Michigan auto workers, Donald Trump attacked the electric‑vehicle agenda of the Biden administration. He said the government must let buyers decide between battery‑powered cars and traditional gasoline models.

According to Trump, his previous term rolled back the Biden EV mandate and the fuel‑efficiency standards that he accused of jeopardizing the U.S. automotive industry. He highlighted that electric vehicle assembly needs fewer workers, a concern for regions like Michigan where auto production is a major employer.

While mentioning GM chief Mary Barra, Trump warned, “I’m not saying this in front of her because she might persuade you, but the workforce needed for EVs is dramatically smaller.” He clarified that this does not imply lower quality, merely faster production cycles.

He further announced the cancellation of the corporate average fuel‑economy (CAFE) standards, labeling them as a “dangerous path to bankruptcy” for automakers that rely on internal‑combustion engines. Trump pledged that such regulations will not reappear while he remains president.

Trump also introduced a 25 percent tariff on imported automobiles and trucks, leaving U.S.‑made vehicles untouched. He applauded GM’s plan to boost truck and sport‑utility‑vehicle production by 20 percent by 2026 and to invest $9 billion to relocate plants to U.S. soil.

Finally, he proposed extending tax benefits on auto‑loan interest only to cars built within the United States, framing the move as a safeguard for American jobs.