United Auto Workers (UAW) President Shawn Fain has announced his support of President Donald Trump’s newly imposed North American auto tariffs, citing them as a necessary step to address long-standing job losses in the U.S. manufacturing sector.
Speaking Sunday on ABC News’ This Week, Fain described tariffs as a way to counteract decades of job outsourcing, particularly since the implementation of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) in 1992. “Tariffs are an attempt to stop the bleeding from the hemorrhaging of jobs in America for the last 33 years,” he said. “Tariffs aren’t the end solution, but they are a huge factor in creating, fixing the problem.”
The UAW had previously released a statement supporting the tariffs, emphasizing that any cost increases should be absorbed by companies rather than passed on to workers. The union also confirmed it is in “active negotiations with the Trump administration about their plans to end the free trade disaster.”
The tariffs, which took effect last week, have sparked backlash from auto industry leaders who argue they will create instability and drive up costs. While tariffs on vehicles and parts that comply with the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) are temporarily paused until April 2, following discussions between Trump and major automakers, tariffs on other imports remain in place.
Ford CEO Jim Farley voiced concerns over the impact of the tariffs, noting that so far, the industry is witnessing a lot of “chaos.” Meanwhile, auto industry trade groups have echoed similar warnings, arguing that the move disrupts supply chains and could lead to higher consumer prices.
However, on Sunday, Fain acknowledged the need to work with the current administration. “The election is over. Donald Trump is the president, and we want to get to work to fix the problems that are wrong with this country, with our economy,” he said.
Fain’s leadership also remains under scrutiny, as the UAW continues to operate under federal oversight following a corruption investigation that led to multiple convictions of former union leaders. The federal monitor overseeing the union has also launched an investigation into Fain, accusing him and others of obstructing the investigation. A report on the findings is expected in the coming months.
While Fain’s endorsement of tariffs marks a significant shift, it remains to be seen how the ongoing trade policies will impact the auto industry and labor relations in the long run.
