President Donald Trump says his administration’s tariffs have been instrumental in making the U.S. auto industry profitable and successful, reaffirming his criticism of Canada amid failed trade talks.
Trump Says He Has Revived America’s Auto Business
In a post on the social media platform Truth Social on Sunday, Trump backed the effectiveness of his tariffs, saying that before his announcement, Ford Motor Co. (NYSE:F) planned to shut down a Detroit plant.
“Because I was leading in the Polls, they figured they would leave it open a little longer to see what happened,” he said. Trump added that the plant was “running 24/7” and was “one of the most profitable Car Plants” worldwide.
Trump then said there were other examples from manufacturers like General Motors Co. (NYSE:GM) and other companies, but did not provide details. “I’ve revived, and indeed saved, the Automobile Business in our America,” he said.
Trump’s Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick had earlier said that the administration’s tariffs had brought back auto manufacturing jobs in the U.S., touting investments by Ford and Toyota Motor Corp (NYSE:TM).
Canada Is One Of the Worst Trade Abusers
The President then delivered sharp criticism of Canada, calling it “one of the worst abusers” of trade. “I don’t want Canadian cars, I don’t want Canadian parts, I don’t want Canadian anything,” he said, adding that the country had been “ripping us off for decades” and he wanted it to stop.
“This should have happened long ago with other Presidents, just as stopping Iran should have happened long ago,” he said, then reaffirmed his criticism that Canada wanted to be treated like a state without being a state. Trump had threatened to impose 50% tariffs on $20 billion worth of Canadian goods, prompting reciprocal tariffs from Canada.
“I deal with the Leadership of many Countries, but I find Canada to be the worst,” he said, criticizing the Mark Carney-led government. “They are entitled no longer,” he added.
Source: Donald J. Trump via Truth Social
Jamieson Greer, Howard Lutnick Deny Medium- and Heavy-Duty Talks
U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said that the Canadian government was offered the "best deal" compared to other countries in the world. He also said talks on medium- and heavy-duty truck tariffs were separate from the Section 232 tariffs under consideration for relief.
Lutnick, on the other hand, accused Carney of walking away from the talks for political reasons, pointing to upcoming elections in Canada. He also disputed Canadian officials’ claims over French-language issues. Lutnick separately maintained that medium- and heavy-duty trucks were not part of the negotiations until the final hours, a claim disputed by Canada’s chief negotiator.
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