The president addressed the predicted impact of his auto tariffs amid concerns that prices could go up by thousands on cars
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President Donald Trump addressed concerns that his impending tariffs targeting imported foreign automobiles and parts could raise prices for Americans.
A 25% tariff on cars made outside of the United States will go into effect on April 3. Research firm Cox Automotive suggested that this could lead to automobiles costing as much as $6,000 more, according to The New York Times.
Speaking to NBC News on March 29, Trump, 78, said he did not share those concerns. In fact, he welcomed the increased prices.
“No, I couldn’t care less, because if the prices on foreign cars go up, they’re going to buy American cars,” he told the outlet, reiterating the sentiment multiple times during a phone call.
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“We have plenty,” he said about American-made cars.
Trump was asked what message he had for CEOs in the auto industry and whether he warned them against passing the cost of tariffs off to their buyers.
“The message is congratulations, if you make your car in the United States, you’re going to make a lot of money. If you don’t, you’re going to have to probably come to the United States, because if you make your car in the United States, there is no tariff,” he replied.
He also implied that the tariffs were “permanent” and that he had no intention of sweeping them back.
“The world has been ripping off the United States for the last 40 years and more. And all we’re doing is being fair, and frankly, I’m being very generous,” he said.
However, it’s not only foreign-made cars that will be impacted by the tariffs. Many American brands also import foreign parts, which will be subjected to the same tariffs.
“No cars are actually, 100% made in the United States, with parts sourced from the United States,” Edmunds consumer insights analyst Joseph Yoon told USA Today. “It’s going to be a big, big deal for the auto industry, globally, if the tariffs are implemented and enforced at face value.”
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The tariffs on the auto industry are the most recent that Trump has threatened or implemented since returning to the White House in January 2025. Concerns of a possible trade war and price hikes have picked up steam over the weeks.
Trump’s latest comments on the subject came as he publicly addressed the possibility of serving a third term in the White House. He told NBC News that he was “not joking” about finding a way to stay in office beyond the legally allotted two terms.
