Former President Donald Trump recently made a bold declaration while standing in front of two John Deere tractors, making it crystal clear that if the iconic American manufacturer decides to relocate its production south of the border, a staggering 200-percent tariff will follow right behind—like an overzealous tax collector knocking at the door. This announcement came during a roundtable in Smithton, Pennsylvania, where Trump rubbed elbows with local farmers, national security heavyweights, and a few GOP hopefuls, all eager to get in on the action.
With the news of John Deere’s potential move to Mexico fresh in the air, Trump took the opportunity to remind the company just how much he cares about American manufacturing jobs. His impassioned stance against outsourcing should strike a chord with the everyday Americans who believe that jobs should stay right here in the good ol’ U.S. of A. After all, nothing says “I love America” quite like telling a big business they need to keep their operations at home—especially when that business has a long history of being a working man’s best friend.
In the not-so-distant past, John Deere has made headlines for downsizing, with hundreds of layoffs announced at its East Moline, Illinois plant and another site in Davenport, Iowa. So it’s no wonder Trump is firing warning shots across the bow, letting the executives know that if they think they can shift production to Mexico and sell cheaper goods back to Americans, they have another thing coming. The message is clear: American workers must not be sacrificed on the altar of corporate greed.
Donald Trump Vows 200% Tariff on John Deere if It Moves Manufacturing to Mexico #news https://t.co/LnZktZFqG0 via @BreitbartNews
— Filtered News (@filterednews) September 24, 2024
Trump didn’t mince words when he highlighted the consequences if John Deere—or any other company—decided to export their labor to countries where pennies per hour are the standard. The former president pointed out the absurdity of businesses thinking they could cut labor costs drastically overseas and then waltz back into the U.S. without facing the repercussions. His emphasis on the potential economic damage to American families and workers resonates with many who know firsthand the struggles associated with such corporate decisions.
At the end of the day, Trump framed his ultimatum to John Deere as a win-win scenario. The company could either take its chances with hefty tariffs or face the reality that operating in Mexico might not be as profitable as they think. And to add a pleasant twist for consumers, products manufactured domestically would not fall under these tariffs, essentially rewarding companies that choose to keep jobs where they belong. Trump’s savvy business acumen shines as he proposes a solution that reinforces the need for patriotism in manufacturing while keeping the focus on American jobs and families—quite the refreshing take for those fed up with endless outsourcing.