Last week, we reported that President Donald Trump warned automakers not to raise vehicle prices because of new tariffs. This was according to a Wall Street Journal report on a call between the president and auto industry executives. However, when NBC News asked Trump about this comment in a separate interview, he denied it.
“The message is congratulations, if you make your car in the United States, you’re going to make a lot of money,” Trump said when asked what his message was to auto industry CEOs. “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 explicitly asked whether he told CEOs not to raise prices, 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 reiterated, “No, I couldn’t care less because if the prices on foreign cars go up, they’re going to buy American cars.”
Trump’s staff clarified to NBC News that the president’s “couldn’t care less” comments were specifically regarding the prices of foreign-built vehicles.
As it stands now, the first phase of a 25 percent tariff on cars imported to the United States is scheduled to take effect on April 2nd. The second phase, which places a 25 percent tariff on automotive components imported to the U.S., takes effect on May 3rd. While the rules are still being written on the specifics, it sounds like vehicles and components compliant with the USMCA will have temporary exemptions from the new tariffs.
Throughout this year’s tariff saga, Trump has repeatedly stated that “there is no tariff” for vehicles built in the United States. This could be a sign that U.S.-assembled vehicles may get exemptions on tariffs for imported parts, but those details are still forthcoming as we await the tariffs to take effect.
Comments
No. He told GM and Ford not to and hopes everyone else does.
What a POS. His entire campaign was based on lowering prices for American consumers. Now he “couldn’t care less” that prices will go up on the more affordable options. The only beneficiary to his plan is the U.S. government’s revenue. It was “drill baby drill” and EV”s suck now it is everyone should buy a “tesler” (tesla)
Teslas prices would also shoot up. I don’t know how they keep topping the American Made Index when their battery materials must surely come from China. Clearly a loophole in that ranking system.
Trump is a liar.
The orange retarded monkey is a liar, sociopath, narcissist, sycophant, rapist, morally bankrupt, wife cheating and failed businessman. Almost forgot twice impeached and a felon. What moron would let this vile P.O.S. manage their portfolio much less the U.S.A..
Good point. I have followed his career for 45+ years, read the biographies. The problem is that there are a lot of folks out there that think that The Apprentice was real. The man has been a grifter his entire life. May have started with the fake bone spurs in order to get out of going to ‘Nam.
Because he will ALWAYS be in your head just like the other liers that sprew untruths about our greatest President ever. Weak dumbos will always be followers just like the ones that followed 46th where we are today. Do you too feel sorry for those illegals that harm Americans?
Dan, learn how to spell! It is two not too, liar not lier. Who is the dumbo? I feel sorry for ignorant people.
Prices are already too high so it makes no difference I’m ready for another truck now but 70-80k for a nicely equipped 2500 is beyond ridiculous. Currently looking at 6 and 7 year old trucks.