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President Trump’s new 25% tariffs on foreign cars and parts are sparking fierce debate. Supporters say it’s a bold move to bring back American jobs, while critics warn it’ll make cars too expensive. Ohio Senator Bernie Moreno is leading the charge, calling it a comeback for U.S. manufacturing.
Senator Moreno says the tariffs force companies to build cars here if they want to sell here. “Our workers got crushed by bad trade deals,” he argues. Factories in Ohio once thrived but closed as jobs moved to Mexico. Now, Moreno claims tariffs will refill empty plants and hire thousands.
Half the cars bought in America last year were made overseas. Even “American” brands like Ford and Chevy build many models in Mexico or Canada. The White House says this weakens our economy and risks national security during crises. Trump’s team wants at least 75% of a car’s parts made in the U.S. to avoid tariffs.
Critics say tariffs will hike car prices by $4,000-$20,000. A $24,000 Hyundai could jump to $28,500 overnight. Senator Moreno admits short-term pain but insists it’s worth saving jobs. “We gutted our communities for decades,” he says. “Now we rebuild.”
Foreign leaders call the tariffs unfair, but Moreno fires back. “Europe blocks our cars,” he notes. “Why should we let theirs in?” He praises Trump for standing up to countries that “poison our border with drugs” and undercut U.S. workers.
Carmakers like GM and Toyota face tough choices. Some may shift production stateside to avoid tariffs. Ford builds 80% of its vehicles here already, shielding it somewhat. Others, like BMW and Honda, rely heavily on foreign parts and face steep costs.
The United Auto Workers union, which endorsed Democrats last election, now cheers the tariffs. “Finally, someone fights for us,” a union rep said. They blame past leaders for letting factories close while foreign brands got rich off American buyers.
With 100,000 auto jobs in Ohio, locals hope tariffs revive plants like Lordstown’s shuttered GM facility. Moreno vows to pressure companies: “That plant won’t sit empty forever.” He’s pushing tax breaks for automakers who hire American.
Experts say rebuilding U.S. manufacturing won’t happen overnight. New factories take years to build, and prices could stay high. But Trump allies insist it’s the only way to end reliance on foreign rivals. “Either we lead again,” Moreno says, “or disappear.”
