Business
Trump: ‘I Couldn’t Care Less’ About Car Price Increases from Tariffs
By Jake Beardslee · March 30, 2025
Trump: 'I Couldn't Care Less' If Car Prices Go Up
In a recent phone interview with NBC News’ Kristen Welker, former President Donald Trump dismissed concerns over rising car prices due to his planned 25% tariffs on imported vehicles and auto parts. "I couldn’t care less if they raise prices," Trump said, adding, "because people are going to start buying American cars." THOMAS CORDY/THE PALM BEACH POST / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Trump Says Higher Prices Could Boost U.S. Car Sales
This comes after The Wall Street Journal reported that Trump warned auto executives during a recent call that higher tariffs could follow if companies raised prices in response to the import tax. However, Trump clarified on Saturday that he hopes prices do rise, as this would incentivize both production and consumer purchasing to shift toward domestically made vehicles. Luke Miller / Pexels
Trump Tells Automakers: Build in U.S. to Avoid Tariffs
“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,’” Trump said. GREG LOVETT/PALM BEACH POST / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Automakers Face Challenges Reworking North American Supply Chains
The U.S. auto industry relies on a North American supply chain, with many parts and vehicles produced in Mexico and Canada. Shifting production stateside is expensive and time-consuming, and Trump's unpredictable tariff policies have made long-term planning potentially difficult for manufacturers. Policy Exchange / Pexels
Trump Promises Long-Term Tariffs Unless Major Deals Are Made
Despite this, Trump promised that the forthcoming reciprocal tariffs—set to match foreign tariffs dollar-for-dollar—will be “absolutely” permanent, unless other countries offer “something of great value.” “The world has been ripping off the United States for the last 40 years and more,” he claimed. Markus Winkler / Pexels
Experts Predict Higher Car Prices for U.S. Consumers
Automotive analysts warn that these tariffs will likely raise the production cost of all vehicles sold in the U.S., regardless of origin. As a result, prices are expected to increase for consumers. Antoni Shkraba / Pexels