Former President Donald Trump made headlines during a rally in Michigan, where he criticized electric vehicles (EVs) and voiced concerns over the future of the U.S. auto industry. Trump urged members of the United Auto Workers (UAW) to push their union leaders to endorse him, while mocking President Joe Biden and his policies promoting EVs.
In his speech, Trump promised to safeguard the U.S. automotive industry from potential collapse, which he attributed to Democratic policies, including the push for EVs. While expressing his lack of opposition towards EVs, Trump emphasized the importance of consumer choice, stating that individuals should also have the option to purchase traditional gasoline and diesel models.
One of Trump’s main criticisms was aimed at Biden’s goal of having 50% of new vehicles sold in the U.S. be EVs by 2030. Trump argued that such a measure would hurt the auto industry and increase its reliance on China for batteries and components, a subject he has previously highlighted as a national security concern.
Trump’s visit coincided with ongoing strikes by the UAW against major automakers such as General Motors, Ford Motor, and Stellantis. As negotiations between the union and automakers failed to reach agreements, approximately 18,300 UAW members have gone on strike. Trump acknowledged the striking union workers during his rally and emphasized that their negotiations would become inconsequential if the auto industry were to collapse.
Following the event, a UAW spokesman declined to comment on Trump’s remarks. However, Trump’s remarks and his focus on the auto industry’s future underscore the significant challenges facing the sector as it navigates a rapidly changing landscape shaped by both technological advancements and political decisions.
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