President Trump is Putting American Workers First — And Bringing Back American Manufacturing

Press Releases

TLDR

This press release explains how Trump’s tariff policies have largely negative economic impacts despite claims to the contrary. While some steel/aluminum producers benefited, studies show the 25% tariffs led to manufacturing job losses, cost taxpayers $900,000 annually per job saved, and increased costs across industries. Evidence contradicts claims that these policies will create jobs, as tariffs may shrink GDP by 3% according to simulations, create economic inefficiencies, and make American products less competitive globally.

President Trump’s claims about the benefits of his tariff policies and their impact on American workers and industries are largely misleading and do not accurately represent the economic realities.

The 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum imports have had significant negative consequences:

  • While some steel and aluminum producers benefited, the tariffs led to job losses in other sectors. A study estimated that Trump’s 2018 tariffs resulted in the direct loss of 75,000 manufacturing jobs.

  • The Peterson Institute for International Economics calculated that Trump’s steel tariffs cost taxpayers more than $900,000 each year for every job they saved or created.

  • Higher steel and aluminum costs affected various industries, including construction, auto, packaging, and appliances. For example, the tariffs could add over $1,000 in production costs per vehicle.

The claim that Trump’s trade policies will flood the U.S. with jobs is not supported by evidence:

  • While some companies may move production to the U.S., others are likely to face job losses due to increased costs and reduced competitiveness.

  • Simulations from the Bank of Canada predict that a 25% tariff war could shrink GDP by as much as 3%.

  • The unpredictability of Trump’s trade policies makes companies hesitant to invest heavily in factories that only make sense if the tariffs are permanent.

While some investments have been announced, it’s important to consider the broader context:

  • Moving production from countries like Mexico to the U.S. is not a simple process and can take years to implement.

  • Tariffs often create inefficiencies in the economy by artificially inflating prices and disrupting established supply chains.

  • Higher production costs in the U.S. could make American products less competitive in the global market.

The claim of “historic results” is not supported by economic data:

  • According to a 2019 report from the Federal Reserve, Trump’s tariffs reduced U.S. GDP by 0.3%.

  • A study by Moody’s Analytics estimated that the trade war led to the loss of around 300,000 jobs.

  • Financial markets responded negatively to trade tensions, with increased volatility during tariff announcements.

While some specific companies and sectors may benefit from Trump’s tariff policies, the overall impact on the American economy and workers has been and will likely cotinue to be largely negative. The claims of widespread job creation and economic growth due to these policies are not supported by the available evidence and economic analysis.

President Donald J. Trump is standing up for American workers, strengthening American industries, and making clear to the world that America will no longer be ripped off — a push that has already delivered historic results.

President Trump is leveling the playing field for American workers.

  • President Trump restored a 25% tariff on steel imports and elevated the tariff to 25% on aluminum imports to protect these critical American industries from unfair foreign competition.
  • President Trump unveiled a plan for fair and reciprocal trade, making clear to the world that the United States will no longer tolerate being ripped off — a plan met with praise across the board.
    • American Iron and Steel Institute: “American steel producers know well the negative impact of foreign unfair trade practices, including subsidies, currency manipulation and other unfair and discriminatory policies and practices, on domestic industries and their workers.”
    • Renewable Fuels Association: “For almost a decade now, we have spent precious time and resources fighting back against an unfair and unjustified tariff regime imposed by Brazil’s government on U.S. ethanol imports … We thank President Trump for taking this action and hope this reciprocal tariff will help encourage a return to free and fair ethanol trade relationship with Brazil.”

President Trump is securing historic investments as companies seek to make their products in America instead of paying tariffs.

  • Nissan CEO Makoto Uchida said President Trump’s tariffs could push the car manufacturer to move its production from Mexico to the U.S.
  • Honda is expected to produce its next-generation Civic hybrid model in Indiana.
  • After a meeting with President Trump, Stellantis announced it will reopen its assembly plant in Belvidere, Illinois — putting 1,500 employees back to work — and build its next-generation Dodge Durango in Detroit, Michigan. The company also announced new investments in their Toledo, Ohio, and Kokomo, Indiana, facilities.

In total, President Trump has secured nearly $2 trillion in new U.S. investments.

  • TSMC announced an unprecedented $100 billion investment in U.S.-based semiconductor chip manufacturing.
  • Apple announced a historic $500 billion investment that will create 20,000 new U.S.-based jobs.
  • President Trump announced the largest artificial intelligence infrastructure project in history, securing $500 billion in planned private sector investment — with major CEOs agreeing it would not have been possible without President Trump’s leadership.
  • President Trump secured a $20 billion investment by DAMAC Properties to build new U.S.-based data centers.
  • Wisconsin-based Clarios, a leader in low-voltage energy storage, announced a $6 billion plan to expand its U.S.-based manufacturing.
  • Eli Lilly and Company announced a $27 billion investment in its U.S.-based manufacturing.
  • Saudi Arabia declared its intention to invest $600 billion in the United States over the next four years.
  • Taiwan pledged to boost its investment in the United States.
  • Electronics giants Samsung and LG “are considering moving their plants in Mexico to the U.S.” now that President Trump is back in office.