UAW President Shawn Fain Defends Trump’s Tariffs as a Lifeline for U.S. Jobs

Fain criticizes decades of trade policy, arguing tariffs are a necessary step to address job losses and economic inequality.

UAW President Shawn Fain expressed strong support for President Trump's tariffs on Canada and Mexico, describing them as a critical measure to combat decades of job losses in the U.S. manufacturing sector.
Fain highlighted the detrimental impact of trade agreements like NAFTA and USMCA, citing millions of lost jobs and thousands of shuttered manufacturing plants since NAFTA's implementation in 1994.
He emphasized that Mexican workers are not the enemy but victims of corporate exploitation, calling for fair trade laws that ensure equitable standards of living across borders.
The UAW praised the administration's decision to delay auto tariffs for a month, allowing automakers time to shift production back to the U.S. and avoid additional costs.
While acknowledging potential short-term price increases for vehicles, Fain argued that tariffs could drive long-term benefits, including job growth, higher wages, and a more balanced trade system.