Last week, U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order imposing a 25 percent tariff on all imported vehicles, which is set to take effect on April 3rd, 2025, after which the U.S. will place levies on imported parts that don’t comply with the current United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, such as engines, transmissions, and electrical components, no later than May 3rd. Some expect automakers to raise prices to compensate for these tariffs, though none have announced anything in that regard or taken action as of yet, aside from Ferrari, which plans to add upwards of 10 percent to some of the models it sells in the U.S.
However, a recent report claimed that Trump warned Ford, General Motors, and Stellantis not to raise prices in response to these new tariffs on a call that Blue Oval CEO Jim Farley was part of. Trump reportedly told those automotive executives that the White House “would look unfavorably on such a move, leaving some of them rattled and worried they would face punishment if they increased prices.” Now, in a new interview with NBC News, Trump has shed some more light on that topic.
“No, I never said that,” Trump stated when asked if he told CEOs not to raise prices. “I couldn’t care less if they raise prices, because people are going to start buying American-made cars. I couldn’t care less. I hope they raise their prices, because if they do, people are gonna buy American-made cars. We have plenty. No, I couldn’t care less, because if the prices on foreign cars go up, they’re going to buy American cars.”
Though Trump was seemingly specifically referring to foreign cars made by Japanese, Korean, and European auto companies, it’s unclear if he was also talking about vehicles produced by Ford, GM, and Stellantis outside of the U.S. that are then sold in America. Following the conclusion of the interview, one of Trump’s aides did clarify that he was “referring specifically to foreign car prices,” however. “The message is congratulations, if you make your car in the United States, you’re going to make a lot of money,” Trump also stated. “If you don’t, you’re going to have to probably come to the United States, because if you make your car in the United States, there is no tariff.”
In addition to the various components its sources and builds from/in places outside of the U.S., The Blue Oval also currently produces four models outside of the country that it sells in America, too – the Lincoln Nautilus, which is built in China, as well as the Ford Maverick, Ford Mustang Mach-E, and Ford Bronco Sport, which are produced in Mexico. It’s unclear how Ford will respond to the tariffs, but Farley reportedly told workers that the levies will have a “significant” impact on the automaker.
Comments
This is spreading fake news. He did NOT say that about Ford and GM raising their prices. He told them that they’d better not. He’s hoping everyone else does, though.
those were his exact words:
The president said he “couldn’t care less” if automakers raised prices after he announced he would impose 25% tariffs on all foreign-made automobiles.
Asked what his recent message was to motor industry CEOs, and whether he had warned them against raising prices, Trump said, “The message is congratulations, if you make your car in the United States, you’re going to make a lot of money. If you don’t, you’re going to have to probably come to the United States, because if you make your car in the United States, there is no tariff.”
When pressed if he told CEOs not to raise prices, as reported in the The Wall Street Journal, Trump added, “No, I never said that. I couldn’t care less if they raise prices, because people are going to start buying American-made cars.”
Trump continued, “I couldn’t care less. I hope they raise their prices, because if they do, people are gonna buy American-made cars. We have plenty.”
Asked if he was concerned about car prices going up, Trump said, “No, I couldn’t care less, because if the prices on foreign cars go up, they’re going to buy American cars.”
Anyone with a function brain can see that he was referring to foreign cars. Wake up.
If a foreign made car goes up 5-6k do you really think that the US counterpart won’t go up 2-4 since it’s still the “cheaper” option to post profits??
You’re out thousands extra either way.
The country is much more secure and safe under President Trump. He might have saved hundreds of lives by exporting the crinkle illegals. You don’t know what was prevented if it never happened. If Kamala was present it would be a circus.
He has nothing but blatant disrespect for everyone!! Look at all he’s F’d up in a short time!! Tell me what has he done to make your life better? He sure has not come through with any of his promises from the campaign!! Wake the F up!! He could care less about you!!
Very decisive…just what everyone wants in a leader. Any voter regrets yet?
Couldn’t be happier with the direction the country’s going! Liberation day is coming…super excited. Hopefully you can break free from your brainwashing chains and enjoy it too!
Yes I enjoy my paycheck being worthless and economy experts saying that we are looking at a 30 year down turn specifically based on Trump’s actions. It’s the best!
None whatsoever. Thanks for asking. Fixing the messes made over the last 4 years won’t happen without some pain along the way. Thank Brandon Biden.
You gotta be a bot. I refuse to believe American education system is so bad.
Yes save your money America your dollar is buying less under this disgraced twice impeached most corrupt President.
Has Donnieee ever drove a car??????
He finally said something that wasn’t a lie. MAGA followers, He couldn’t care less if you have to pay higher prices. He has his so too bad for you. Still love the guy?
They should tell Trump to F off.
You’re not going to raise prices. Your dealers price gouged everyone during Covid and added 10K+ to Broncos and Mavericks. Now you’re offering 10 – 12K off on Broncos because the lots are overflowing with vehicles you can’t sell plus now, employee pricing on everything. So no. You aren’t raising prices.