| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 11, 2025 Contact: [email protected] ICYMI: Whitmer to Trump: Tariffs Are Driving Up Costs, Threatening Auto Jobs This weekend, multiple outlets reported that Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer met privately with President Trump, warning that his across-the-board tariffs are harming the state’s auto industry and threatening hundreds of thousands of jobs. Whitmer shared that tariffs on steel, aluminum, and imported auto parts are driving up costs, slowing production, and threatening the competitiveness of U.S.-made vehicles. Michigan’s auto industry – home to 50 assembly plants, over 4,000 parts suppliers, and nearly 600,000 manufacturing jobs — is the backbone of the state’s economy. Currently under the Trump Administration’s tariff policy, automakers face import taxes of up to 50% on steel and aluminum, 30% on parts from China, and 25% on certain goods from Canada and Mexico — tariff rates far higher than those faced by some foreign competitors. Trump has also threatened a 100% tariff on computer chips, a critical component for vehicles. Major automakers have warned that the tariffs are slashing profits and undermining global competitiveness. In the second quarter alone, Ford reported $800 million in tariff-related costs and GM reported $1.1 billion. Since January, Michigan has lost 7,500 manufacturing jobs, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Whitmer’s warning comes as the Trump Administration continues to increase tariffs, despite mounting evidence that the policy is driving up prices, creating uncertainty for businesses, and putting jobs at risk in key industries. Michigan, home to the nation’s largest concentration of auto manufacturing, is particularly vulnerable to the fallout. The Associated Press | Whitmer told Trump in private that Michigan auto jobs depend on a tariff change of course Bloomberg | Michigan Governor Confronts Trump on Tariff Hit to Auto Industry CBS News | Michigan Gov. Whitmer told Trump in private that auto jobs depend on a tariff change of course Fortune | Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer privately warns Trump that tariffs could cause severe economic damage in key swing state AInvest | Michigan Gov. Whitmer warns Trump tariffs risk auto industry, 600,000 jobs Car Dealership Guy News | Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer presses Trump on auto losses tied to tariffs Investing Live | Michigan Governor Whitmer tells Trump tariffs are hurting Michigan autos ### Tariffs Cost US is a new campaign dedicated to providing the public with reliable, comprehensive information about global trade and tariffs, and their impact on both businesses and consumers. |
