UAW praises Trump's tariffs "to end the free trade disaster"

• It has historically supported Democrats, but many of the union's members voted for Trump, seemingly attracted by MAGA's emphasis on "America first."

The big picture: The UAW — which has long advocated for the "buy American" movement and regularly blasts companies for outsourcing jobs —praised the president's new round of 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico, plus an additional 10% on China.

• "Tariffs are a powerful tool in the toolbox for undoing the injustice of anti-worker trade deals," the union said. "We are glad to see an American president take aggressive action on ending the free trade disaster that has dropped like a bomb on the working class."

The UAW said any price increases stemming from the tariffs should be blamed on companies, not the president.

• "There's been a lot of talk of these tariffs 'disrupting' the economy. But if corporate America chooses to price-gouge the American consumer or attack the American worker because they don't want to pay their fair share, corporate America bears the blame for that decision," the UAW said.

The impact: About 150,000 UAW members work for General Motors, Ford or Stellantis — the traditional Detroit Three automakers — all three of which will face a steep increase in costs associated with the tariffs.

• Some analysts fear automotive plants could shut down if the tariffs stay in place.

• But the UAW is hoping that the tariffs prompt American automakers to bring back jobs to the U.S.

The intrigue: The union endorsed Kamala Harris in 2024, with UAW president Shawn Fain repeatedly blasting Trump as a "scab" and a member of the "billionaire class."

• But the union has softened its tone toward the president since he won reelection.
• The union said Tuesday that it's "in active negotiations with the Trump Administration about their plans to end the free trade disaster" and "we look forward to working with the White House to shape the auto tariffs in April to benefit the working class."