By The United Auto Workers (UAW) has endorsed President Trump’s latest tariffs, arguing they are necessary to address the economic damage caused by free trade agreements that have undermined American workers. In a statement on Tuesday, the influential labor union praised the administration’s decision to impose a 25 percent tariff on Canada and Mexico and a 10 percent tariff on Chinese imports.
“Tariffs are a powerful tool for reversing the harm of anti-worker trade deals,” the union stated. “We are pleased to see an American president take decisive action to end the free trade disaster that has devastated the working class.”
“We are actively negotiating with the Trump Administration on their plans to reverse the free trade disaster,” the union stated, adding that it looks forward to shaping future auto tariffs “to benefit the working class.”
With roughly one million members, including retirees, the UAW remains a formidable labor organization. Though historically aligned with the Democratic Party, a significant portion of its membership has embraced Trump’s “America First” agenda, drawn to his efforts to reshore manufacturing jobs and challenge global trade policies.
The union’s endorsement of tariffs marks a notable shift, particularly given their leader’s total opposition to Trump and its prior support for Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 election. UAW President Shawn Fain had previously criticized Trump, calling him a “scab” and a representative of the billionaire class. However, since Trump’s reelection, the union has signaled a willingness to work with his administration.
The new tariffs will have significant consequences for the auto industry, particularly for General Motors, Ford, and Stellantis, where approximately 150,000 UAW members are employed. Automakers are expected to face rising costs, and some analysts warn that extended tariffs could lead to plant closures or reduced production, reported Axios.
Despite concerns about potential disruptions, the UAW argues that any resulting price increases should be attributed to corporate decision-making rather than the tariffs themselves.
“There’s been a lot of talk about tariffs ‘disrupting’ the economy. But if corporations choose to price-gouge consumers or target workers instead of paying their fair share, they alone are responsible for that decision,” the union asserted.
The UAW hopes the tariffs will push automakers to shift more production back to the United States, reversing decades of offshoring that have contributed to job losses. As the administration prepares to finalize its auto tariff policies in April, the evolving relationship between the UAW and the White House will be closely watched by both political and economic stakeholders.
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