Trump Defends 25% Auto Tariffs, Says “Couldn’t Care Less” About Rising Car Prices
Date: 30-mar-2025
“Couldn’t Care Less” – Trump’s Bold Defense of New Auto Import Taxes
US President Donald Trump has brushed aside concerns about rising car prices as a result of his new 25% tariffs on foreign-made vehicles, telling NBC News that he "couldn't care less" if automakers pass those costs onto consumers. The controversial tariffs are set to begin on April 2, 2025, and cover both cars and auto parts, with parts tariffs expected to roll out in phases starting May.
“If you make your car in the United States, you're going to make a lot of money. If you don’t, you’ll probably have to come here and build it – because there’s no tariff then,” Trump said in an interview with NBC. He added that higher prices would be a good thing as they would encourage people to “buy American-made cars – we have plenty.”
Industry Fears and Public Concerns
Despite Trump’s optimism, analysts have warned the tariffs may disrupt US auto production, causing temporary plant shutdowns and raising costs for car buyers. A CBS News poll revealed that 72% of Americans expect prices to go up in the short term, and over half believe the administration isn’t doing enough to reduce costs.
Peter Navarro, senior counsellor to Trump on trade, defended the decision: “Trust in Trump. Foreigners will eat the cost – we are the biggest market in the world,” he told Fox News, referencing the administration's past success with China tariffs.
Mixed Reactions from Industry and Labor
United Auto Workers (UAW) leader Shawn Fain supported tariffs in principle but criticized Trump’s broader labor and immigration policies. Speaking to CBS, he called tariffs a "tool in the toolbox" to bring manufacturing back to the US, saying some companies have already told the union they’d move production stateside if the tariffs take effect.
The 25% auto import tax was previously paused in March after pleas from automakers like Ford, General Motors, and Stellantis, but Trump said delays were over unless foreign nations offer “something of great value” in return.
Trade Tensions Escalate Globally
Global reactions to Trump’s tariffs have been swift and critical:
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- UK is pushing for an exemption, with PM Sir Keir Starmer avoiding direct conflict but preparing for retaliation.
- Germany vowed to respond "firmly" and refused to "give in."
- France’s President dismissed the move as “a waste of time.”
- Canada labeled it a “direct attack.”
- China accused the US of breaking international trade rules.
Sources close to Downing Street say negotiations with the White House are in the final stage, as UK leaders seek a trade war-free resolution.
Trump Threatens Oil Tariffs Amid Russia-Ukraine Standoff
In a separate interview on Sunday, Trump escalated pressure on Russia by threatening secondary tariffs of 25-50% on Russian oil if President Vladimir Putin fails to progress on Ukraine peace talks. “If Russia and I can’t reach a deal, there will be tariffs on all oil from Russia,” Trump told NBC.
Despite the threats, Trump claimed to have a “very good relationship” with Putin but admitted he was angry over the conflict. He added that “the anger dissipates quickly if he does the right thing.”
What’s Next?
Trump’s auto and oil tariffs signal a hardline economic stance with implications for global trade, inflation, and diplomatic relations. As implementation begins in April, the world will be watching closely to see if Trump’s gamble pays off—or sparks another international trade war.
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