Trump Brags General Motors, Ford Executives Thank Him Over Truck Tariffs - 'Their Inventory Went Through The Roof'

US President Donald Trump said top executives from General Motors and Ford called to thank him for imposing tariffs on medium- and heavy-duty trucks. In a post on Truth Social, Trump wrote: “Mary Barra of General Motors, and Bill Ford of Ford Motor Company, just called to thank me for putting tariffs on medium and large trucks. Their inventory is through the roof! They told me that, without tariffs, it would be a very tough, long ‘slog’ for truck and car manufacturers in the United States.” Tariffs framed as national security measure Trump framed the tariffs as a matter of national security, claiming that without them the US economy would weaken. He added: “I told them, it’s very simple, it’s a national security issue. With the Tariffs, we have a strong and powerful economy and country. Without them, we have the exact opposite!” Industry Impact The rates are expected to affect a wide range of vehicles, including delivery trucks, garbage trucks, public utility trucks, transit and shuttle buses, school buses, semi-trucks and other heavy-duty commercial vehicles. Previous measures The US previously agreed to a 15% tariff on light vehicles under trade agreements with Japan and the European Union. In April, the administration imposed a 25% tariff on all auto imports, including those from Mexico and Canada, which was later extended to auto parts in May. Manufacturers were also allowed to deduct the value of American components from tariffs on light-duty vehicles assembled in Canada and Mexico.