Trump teases tariff carve-outs for auto parts: ‘I’m a very flexible person’ – Washington Examiner
President Donald Trump has indicated that he is contemplating tariff exemptions for auto parts to provide relief for the car industry amid his broader economic initiatives. During a meeting with Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele, trump stated his desire to assist car companies that rely on parts manufactured in Canada and Mexico, suggesting that they need additional time to transition to domestic production due to a 25% tariff imposed last month. Trump characterized himself as “a very flexible person” regarding these exemptions, implying that while he has a firm stance, he is open to adjustments that could benefit American manufacturing. He has previously paused a series of tariffs to assess their impact on the economy and reiterated that the goal of the tariffs is to revive U.S. manufacturing and reduce the national deficit.
Trump teases tariff carve-outs for auto parts: ‘I’m a very flexible person’
President Donald Trump signaled he is considering tariff exemptions for auto parts as the White House looks to buy more time to implement his economic agenda.
“I’m looking at something to help some of the car companies,” Trump told the Washington Examiner on Monday during a bilateral meeting with Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele.
The night before, the president confirmed he was considering certain “short-lived” exemptions. He declined to say Monday if “short-lived” meant weeks or months, but he did signal that the car industry could enjoy broad relief from the 25% duty he imposed last month.
“They’re using parts that were made in Canada, Mexico, and other places, and they need a little bit of time because they’re going to make them here, but they need a little bit of time,” Trump said.
The president didn’t directly answer the Washington Examiner when asked about iPhones or other cellphones, but he briefly mentioned that he “helped” Apple CEO Tim Cook following an exemption for electronics announced over the weekend.
“Look, I’m a very flexible person. I don’t change my mind, but I’m flexible,” the president responded. “There’ll be maybe things coming up. I speak to Tim Cook. I helped Tim Cook recently in that whole business. I don’t want to hurt anybody.”
Trump also reiterated that the tariffs are intended to help revitalize American manufacturing and pay down the deficit following recent unease in the stock and bond markets. Trump’s interest in exemptions comes after he paused for 90 days a sweeping set of “Liberation Day” tariffs announced on April 2.
“We’re the greatest economic power in the world if we’re smart. If we’re not smart, we’re going to hurt our country more than ever,” Trump said.
HOW SCOTT BESSENT GOT TRUMP ‘OVER THE FINISH LINE’ ON TARIFF PAUSE
You can watch the president’s remarks in full below.
" 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
Now loading...