United Auto Workers (UAW) President Shawn Fain defended President Donald Trump’s recent tariffs on auto-related imports from Canada and Mexico, describing them as an essential step to protect American jobs.
“We’re in a crisis mode in this country,” Fain said during an interview on This Week Sunday, arguing that America’s trade system is broken and in need of reform.
While he acknowledged that tariffs alone “aren’t the end solution,” Fain insisted they are a “huge factor” in stopping job losses.
A Blow to Free Trade?
The Trump administration initially announced 25% tariffs on auto-related goods from Mexico and Canada, but later delayed them by one month following discussions with executives from Ford, General Motors, and Stellantis. The tariffs are now scheduled to take effect in April.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said the goal of the tariffs is to encourage automakers to “start investing, start moving, shift production here.”
UAW’s Stance on Tariffs and Trade
The UAW, which represents nearly 1 million members, has long advocated for bringing back auto manufacturing jobs. The union has praised Trump’s tariffs, stating:
“Tariffs are a powerful tool in the toolbox for undoing the injustice of anti-worker trade deals. We are glad to see an American president take aggressive action on ending the free trade disaster that has dropped like a bomb on the working class.”
Fain also blamed corporate greed for rising prices, arguing that if costs increase, it would be “the fault of companies rather than the president.”
“If corporate America chooses to price-gouge the American consumer or attack the American worker because they don’t want to pay their fair share, corporate America bears the blame for that decision,” the UAW said in a statement last week.
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Shifting Political Ties
The UAW endorsed Democratic candidate Kamala Harris in the 2024 election, with Fain previously calling Trump a “scab.” However, since Trump’s reelection, the union has softened its stance and is now in “active negotiations with the Trump administration” on shaping trade policies.
“We look forward to working with the White House to shape the auto tariffs in April to benefit the working class,” the UAW stated.
Fain’s Criticism of Elon Musk and the Wealthy
Despite cooperating with Trump’s administration on trade policies, Fain remains critical of billionaire Elon Musk, particularly regarding his stance on Social Security.
Speaking at a “Fighting Oligarchy” event in Michigan, Fain accused Musk and other billionaires of manipulating the economy at the expense of the working class.
“The only Ponzi scheme we’ve seen in the last 40 years is the rich getting richer while the working class and everyone else gets left behind,” he said.
Looking Forward
Despite past political differences, Fain emphasized the importance of working with the Trump administration to address economic issues.
“The election is over. Donald Trump is the president, and we want to get to work to fix the problems that are wrong with this country, with our economy. And the American people expect that,” he said.
