The United Auto Workers (UAW) union said it supported President Trump’s Tuesday tariffs, offering a full backing for the “aggressive” action seeking to alter past trade agreements with neighboring countries.
“Tariffs are a powerful tool in the toolbox for undoing the injustice of anti-worker trade deals,” the union wrote in a Tuesday statement.
On Tuesday, the Trump administration imposed 25 percent tariffs on most imports from Canada and Mexico and a new 10 percent tariff on imports from China.
“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,” the union wrote.
In its response to the president’s move, the UAW accused corporations of “killing good blue-collar jobs” by prioritizing foreign manufacturing over production within the United States.
“We want to see corporate America, from the auto industry and beyond, recommit to the working class that makes the products and generates the profits that keep this country running,” the union wrote in their statement.
“The UAW is in active negotiations with the Trump Administration about their plans to end the free trade disaster,” they continued.
The group said they are helping shape President Trump’s proposed reciprocal tariffs set to take form in April. Their alliance with the president comes in stark contrast to their endorsement of former President Biden during the 2024 campaign season. The UAW leader also slammed Trump for his billionaire status.
“Joe Biden bet on the American worker while Donald Trump blamed the American worker. We need to know who’s going to sit in the most powerful seat in the world, and help us win as a united working class,” UAW President Shawn Fain said in January 2024.
Though the union’s tune has changed, neighboring nations’ discontent over Trump’s tariffs is steadily growing. Canada and China have both announced retaliatory tariffs on a wide range of imports, which will likely cause consumer prices to swell.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said hikes will cripple every nation involved. The Latin American country is expected to announce retaliatory tariffs over the weekend.
“It’s inconceivable that they don’t think about the damage this is going to cause to United States citizens and businesses with the increase in prices for things produced in our country,” Sheinbaum said during televised remarks on Tuesday.
“Also, the damage it will cause by stopping job creation in both countries. No one wins with this decision.”
