Full Breakdown
Trump Says He Would Not Oppose Chinese Automakers Building Cars in the United States
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Trump’s Stance on Chinese Auto Plants
In an interview on Fox News’ “The Ingraham Angle,” former President Donald Trump said he would not block Chinese manufacturers from opening production facilities on U.S. soil. He argued that, like Japanese firms, Chinese companies could hire American workers and that he does not want them to build cars in Mexico for export to the United States. Trump dismissed a comment from Michigan Senator Elissa Slotkin as a “total phony rumor” and asserted that he has kept Chinese vehicles out of the country. He is scheduled to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping in Washington in about two weeks, a timing that could shape any forthcoming trade discussions.
Regulatory Landscape
A regulation issued by the Biden administration in early 2025 effectively bans Chinese automakers from selling or building passenger vehicles in the United States. In addition, the United States maintains tariffs exceeding 100 % on Chinese electric vehicles, creating a steep cost barrier for any imports.
Automaker Lobby and Political Pushback
The Alliance for Automotive Innovation—representing General Motors, Ford, Toyota, Volkswagen, Hyundai, Honda, Stellantis and others—has urged Congress to pass legislation that would permanently bar Chinese vehicles from the U.S. market, calling for action by the end of December. Senator Slotkin, a Democrat from Michigan, warned that rumors of Trump allowing Chinese cars to be sold in the U.S. as part of a larger deal would be a “strategic mistake.”
Verbatim Quotes
- “If China wanted to come in and open a plant to build their cars here, I’d be OK with that,” — Donald Trump, president — Donald Trump, president