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Ford Reports $800M Tariff Hit, Raises Annual Cost Estimate

story

JUL 31

Above: Ford CEO James Farley at the Reindustrialize Conference 2025 on July 16, 2025, in Detroit, Michigan. Image copyright: Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images

story last updated JUL 31

The Spin

Democratic narrative

Trump's erratic trade policies are crippling the auto industry in both America's heartland and allied Europe. His 50% tariffs on steel and aluminum choke U.S. manufacturers like Ford and GM, while his lowered tariffs on Japanese cars favor foreign competitors. German automakers like Mercedes and Porsche are also facing slashed profits from high U.S. tariffs, impacting American consumers. This is the opposite of "America First."

The New Republic New York Times

Republican narrative

While Trump is certainly trying to boost American car makers in good faith, his tariffs appear to be backfiring. The 25% levies on vehicle imports and parts have spiked costs, slashing GM’s profits by $1.1 billion and forcing Stellantis to idle plants. Even U.S.-based Tesla and Rivian suffer from pricier foreign components. These tariffs raise car prices by thousands of dollars, burdening consumers and betraying his MAGA promises.

Wall Street Journal National Review

Conservative narrative

Trump's tariffs are a bold stand against liberal and establishment Republican sellouts who've bled America dry with disastrous trade deals. His 25% levies on imports shield the auto industry from China's predatory tactics and the EU's unfair tariffs, revitalizing heartland jobs. Unlike globalist appeasers, Trump prioritizes American workers over outsourced-driven profits, forcing allies and adversaries alike to respect U.S. sovereignty.

American Conservative American Thinker