UAW Chief Backs Trump’s Tariffs as Necessary for U.S. Economic Reform

UAW President Shawn Fain supports Trump’s tariffs as necessary measures to mitigate job losses and reform the trade system. He highlights the exploitation of workers due to corporate greed and calls for equitable trade laws. The UAW expresses willingness to collaborate with the administration to shape tariff policies benefiting American labor.

Shawn Fain, President of the United Auto Workers (UAW), expressed his support for President Donald Trump’s tariffs on Canada and Mexico during an appearance on “This Week.” He characterized these tariffs as an essential measure to “stop the bleeding” in the U.S. economy, asserting that the trade system is fundamentally flawed and in dire need of reform. Fain stated, “We’re in a crisis mode in this country” and emphasized the necessity of addressing longstanding issues within the workforce.

Fain explained that while tariffs are not a complete solution, they play a significant role in combating the job losses that have plagued the U.S. for 33 years, attributing this trend notably to the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) enacted in 1994. He remarked, “Tariffs are an attempt to stop the bleeding from the hemorrhaging of jobs in America.” He also remarked critically regarding NAFTA, stating bluntly, “NAFTA sucks.”

He advocated for equitable trade laws that ensure a similar standard of living across the North American region and acknowledged the unfair treatment of Mexican workers, aiming to shift the focus away from viewing them as competitors. Fain claimed, “Our neighbors to the south — Mexican workers — aren’t the enemy. They’re being exploited and it’s because of corporate greed.”

Despite previous talk about a potential enactment of 25% tariffs on auto-related goods from these countries, the Trump administration opted for a one-month delay following discussions with major automotive executives. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt conveyed the president’s encouragement for these companies to enhance domestic investment and production. The UAW has historically supported measures to bring jobs back to American soil and has publicly endorsed the tariffs.

The UAW stated, “Tariffs are a powerful tool in the toolbox for undoing the injustice of anti-worker trade deals,” expressing its approval of the administration’s aggressive approach to unfair trade practices. The union emphasized that any resulting increases in consumer prices should be attributed to corporate choices rather than presidential decisions. They stated, “If corporate America chooses to price-gouge the American consumer… corporate America bears the blame.”

Although the UAW has endorsed Democratic candidate Kamala Harris for the upcoming election, their stance on tariffs shows a shift since the prior election cycle. In recent statements, the UAW has indicated a willingness to collaborate with the Trump administration to develop policies that would benefit U.S. workers through structured tariffs.

In addition to advocating for labor interests, Fain has voiced concern over influential billionaires, specifically Elon Musk, criticizing their impact on social welfare programs. At a recent event, he stated of Musk, “It’s Elon Musk and the billionaire class… The only Ponzi scheme we’ve seen in the last 40 years is the rich getting richer while the working class… gets left behind.” Fain concluded, emphasizing the need for action under the current administration: “The election is over… and we want to get to work to fix the problems that are wrong with this country, with our economy.”

In summary, Shawn Fain, President of the UAW, strongly supports President Trump’s tariffs on Canada and Mexico as necessary measures to address the crisis in the U.S. economy and recover lost jobs. He emphasizes the need for trade reform and equitable treatment of labor across North America while also calling for corporate accountability regarding price increases. The UAW is prepared to collaborate with the administration to ensure that these tariffs serve the interests of American workers moving forward.

Original Source: abcnews.go.com