The White House has fired back at Governor Gretchen Whitmer after she warned that President Donald Trump’s proposed 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico could put the Michigan auto industry in peril. In her seventh State of the State Address, Whitmer sounded the alarm on the potential impact of the tariffs on Michigan’s economy.
According to White House Senior Counselor for Trade and Manufacturing Peter Navarro, Whitmer is “running more for Governor of Canada” with her defense of the status quo, which would allow China to continue pouring fentanyl across the northern border. However, Trump claims that his tariffs will stop this slaughter and protect America’s auto industry.
Trump has vowed to save the auto industry during his inaugural address and has outlined a vision for American auto manufacturing in the Detroit Economic Club speech. The proposed tariffs are set to take effect on March 4 and would impose a 10% tariff on China.
Whitmer warns that the 25% tariffs would slow down construction, shutter small businesses, lead to layoffs in the auto industry, and cost Michigan families an extra $1,200 a year. She received over 3,000 written responses from Michiganders who are worried about prices going up.
Trump’s plan is part of his larger agenda to protect American jobs and industries without jacking up costs. The proposed tariffs are seen as a necessary step to address the issue of fentanyl pouring into the country through Mexico and Canada.
Source: https://www.foxnews.com/politics/trump-white-house-rips-auto-state-governor-attacked-presidents-tariff-plans-deadly-status-quo