United Auto Workers (UAW) president Shawn Fain has defended President Donald Trump’s tariffs despite criticism from Democrats and economists. Fain, who endorsed then-Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 election, spoke out in favor of Trump’s tariffs during an interview with CBS News’ Face the Nation.
Fain cited historical data on the decline of American manufacturing, particularly in the auto industry, as a reason for supporting the tariffs. He argued that tariffs are a tool to bring jobs back to the US and invest in American workers, who have been left behind for decades.
Fain’s comments align with Trump’s economic advisers, who believe the tariffs will ultimately benefit the country despite short-term economic disruption. However, many economists have raised concerns about the impact of tariffs on inflation, prices, and potentially sparking a recession.
Trump has defended his tariff policy, saying that consumers will start buying American cars as foreign automakers raise prices. Economists, including Stanford University professors Neale Mahoney and Ryan Cumming, have strongly opposed tariffs as an effective tool to improve Americans’ welfare or strengthen key industries.
New Trump tariffs are set to take effect on April 2, targeting allies such as the European Union, South Korea, Brazil, and India. The president aims to launch a range of import taxes, including reciprocal tariffs to match rates charged by other countries.
Source: https://www.newsweek.com/shawn-fain-endorsed-kamala-harris-backs-donald-trump-tariffs-2052783