Trump hypes robots as ‘big factor’ as Ford struggles to fill vacancies
President Donald Trump, speaking on the floor of a Ford factory in Dearborn, Michigan, downplayed concerns about labor shortages after Ford’s CEO said the company had about 5,000 open mechanic positions. Trump told CBS Evening News anchor Tony Dokoupil that the strong economy, rapid training, and increasing use of automation – especially robots – will address hiring challenges. He predicted robots would become a “big factor” and noted governance interest in robotics and advanced manufacturing to help onshore production. The comments follow reports that the administration is shifting focus toward robotics and AI investments as part of broader industrial policy.
Trump hypes robots as ‘big factor’ as Ford struggles to fill thousands of vacancies
President Donald Trump dismissed concerns about a labor shortage hindering the progress of a Ford factory, arguing that automation would resolve the issue.
Speaking to CBS Evening News anchor Tony Dokoupil on the floor of a Ford factory in Dearborn, Michigan, Trump was asked about the challenges of filling job openings. Dokoupil pointed to a recent quote from the CEO of Ford, who complained that he had 5,000 open mechanic jobs that he was unable to fill. Trump didn’t see it as a problem.
“That means it’s vibrant. You could also have things where you have so many people, and they can’t get jobs. It’s true,” Trump said.
“We are doing so well. … What’s going to happen is people are being trained rapidly, and you’re going to have a thing called robots, and robots are going to be a big factor,” he continued. “I predict robots are going to be a big factor in the future, and it’s going to help out.”
“But you have a situation now where our economy is doing so well that it’s not that easy to get people. We’re training people, they’re training people, companies are training people, and they’re doing well,” Trump said.
TRUMP PLEDGES ‘VERY STRONG ACTION’ IF IRAN BEGINS HANGING PROTESTERS
Reports have indicated that Trump may be shifting his focus to robotics after investing heavily in artificial intelligence. In the case of robotics, his focus centers on the hope that automation will help address the potential labor shortages that may arise from manufacturing being onshored.
“We are committed to robotics and advanced manufacturing because they are central to bringing critical production back to the United States,” a Commerce Department spokesperson told Politico last month.
" Conservative News Daily does not always share or support the views and opinions expressed here; they are just those of the writer."
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
