U.S. Senators Elissa Slotkin, Tammy Baldwin, and Chuck Schumer called on President Donald Trump on April 6 to take action against Chinese automakers seeking to manufacture and sell vehicles in the United States, citing risks to American workers and national security.
The senators issued a letter following President Trump’s comments at the Detroit Economic Forum encouraging Chinese companies to expand operations in the U.S. The letter said, “Allowing automakers headquartered in China, which operate with backing from the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), to build and sell vehicles in the United States would have far-reaching consequences for our economic and national security. We urge you to stay the course and make it clear that Chinese auto manufacturers and their products present unprecedented dangers to our economic and national security, and their manufacture, sale, or operation on U.S. soil is non-negotiable,” according to Slotkin’s office.
The senators argued that U.S. automakers are essential for economic security by supporting a broad manufacturing ecosystem from steel to semiconductors and accounting for about 3–5% of GDP with nearly 11 million jobs. They said that China’s industry benefits from state subsidies and weaker labor protections, creating unfair competition that could disrupt supply chains where each assembly job supports roughly two supplier jobs.
The letter also highlighted concerns about China deepening automotive ties with Canada and Mexico as Canada moves to lower tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles. The senators wrote: “The United States must reaffirm our clear position – that Chinese vehicles of all types and automakers are not welcome to operate here in any capacity. In addition to banning Chinese connected vehicles, we must work with our allies to counter the global threat posed by Chinese vehicles, and we must spur a new generation of automotive innovation to ensure that U.S. auto industry remains the world’s best.”
Slotkin has prioritized this issue since her first bill introduction as a senator focused on preventing Chinese vehicles from entering the U.S., according to her official website. Her background includes serving multiple tours in Iraq as a CIA analyst alongside the military; holding national security positions at the Pentagon and White House under two presidents; serving on Senate committees for armed services, homeland security and governmental affairs, agriculture, and veterans’ affairs; receiving a nomination for assistant secretary of defense for international security affairs; winning election in a previously opposition-held congressional seat; and assisting Michigan residents with federal agency issues.
A full version of this letter is available online along with additional information at the organization’s press release.
