The Trump White House is fighting back after Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D-Mich.) warned Wednesday that President Donald Trump’s 25% tariff could put Michigan’s automotive industry at risk.
During the speech of the state’s seventh state, Whitmer issued warnings to Trump’s plan to impose a 25% tariff on Canada and Mexico, urging the White House to fight back.
“It appears Whitmer is running even further for the Canadian governor as he protects the fatal status quo, where more than a million Americans have been massacred by China’s poison, pouring over the northern and southern borders of China.” “President Trump will stop the massacre as he stands up to the American auto industry.
Trump’s tariff plans will have an impact on Michigan given the shared border with Detroit leadership in Canada and the US automotive industry. Whitmer has identified Canada as an important priority for the province this year with economic development and trade with Canada.
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D-Mich. Governor Gretchen Whitmer said President Donald Trump’s 25% tariff could harm Michigan’s auto industry after Trump vowed to save the auto industry during his 2024 campaign.
“The industry leaders and top economic minds on both sides of the aisle are warning of the chaos that will result in a 25% tariff on the Michigan auto industry, raising daily costs for families,” Whitmer continued. “I am grateful that Republicans, Democrats and private sector leaders are opposed to a 25% tariff on their neighbors because saying no to Canada means saying yes to China.”
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Trump confirmed Thursday that his proposed 25% tariff plan will come into effect next week. He said the tariffs were “until it ceased or very limited” on March 4th.
“… The proposed tariffs scheduled to come into effect on March 4th will actually take effect as planned. Similarly, China will be charged an additional 10% tariff on that day.
Earlier this month, Trump issued a 30-day suspension on Canada and Mexico’s 25% tariff plans after negotiations over border security and drug trafficking with North American leaders.
President Donald Trump’s campaign at the Livingston County Sheriff’s Office in Howell, Michigan, August 20, 2024 (Nic Antaya/Getty Images)
“I am very pleased with this initial outcome and the tariffs announced on Saturday will be suspended for 30 days to see if they can constitute the final economic deal with Canada,” Trump announced in The Society of Truth.
Whitmer said Wednesday that he was grateful that the president had the first pause on 25% tariffs in Mexico and Canada.
“As I said before, I’m not completely opposed to tariffs, but when Michigan’s economy is on the line, they’re dull tools,” Whitmer added. “All 25% tariffs slow construction, shutter small businesses, lead to layoffs in the automotive industry, and spend an extra $1,200 a year on Michigan families at stores and pumps.
Whitmer asked Michigander how he felt about the tariffs and said he received 3,000 written responses in 48 hours from people worried about prices going up.
“For them and all Michiganders, we will continue to speak in one voice for a smart trade policy, level the arena and ensure American work without increasing costs. With regard to tariffs and all issues, Michigan expects us to work together in Lansing.
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer will be attending the Clinton Global Initiative 2024 Annual Meeting in New York City on September 24, 2024 (John Nasion/Getty Images)
Trump vowed to save the automotive industry during his inaugural speech, based on the promises of a key campaign made during a Michigan rally last year.
“My actions today will end the Green New Deal, revoke the mandate of electric vehicles, save the automotive industry, and maintain a sacred pledge to America’s great carmakers,” Trump said in his inaugural address.
Trump laid out his vision for American car manufacturing at the Detroit Economic Club in October 2024.
“My goal is for US car manufacturing to be even bigger than its prime, with Detroit and Michigan at the heart of action. For generations, this city and state have been the world capital of car production,” Trump said.
He was criticized by Michigan politicians for calling Detroit a “developing region” during his speech.
“If she’s your president, our entire country would be like Detroit,” Trump said of former vice president Kamala Harris.
“He doesn’t know what the hell he’s talking about. And you know what I think? He should keep Detroit away from his mouth,” Whitmer fought back last year.
Trump argued in the same speech that his tariff agenda would put an end to foreign leaders using the American automotive industry.
“Detroit was destroyed like a foreign army,” he said. “This was a foreign army that invaded us, but it was an army of businessmen, very wonderful businessmen who took candy out of our pockets, just like you took it out of the baby.
Republican presidential candidate President Donald Trump was R-Tenn at a city hall campaign event held at Macomb Community College on Friday, September 27, 2024 in Warren, Michigan (AP Photo/Alex Brandon). Listen to Senator Marsha Blackburn of.
“When foreign leaders and CEOs call me to complain about our tariffs, my answer is very simple. Building in America, there are no tariffs. Building it in Detroit, there are no tariffs. Building it in Dearborn or Lansing or Grand Rapids or Flint. No taxes. No taxes.
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Trump has also committed to leading the “Michigan Miracle” and “Rebirth of Detroit.”
“By the end of my term, the whole world will talk about the miracles of Michigan and the stunning rebirth of Detroit that will take place,” Trump said.
Deirdre Heavey is a political writer for Fox News Digital.
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