Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump intensified his ongoing feud with United Auto Workers (UAW) leader Shawn Fain during his speech at the Republican National Convention on Thursday night. Trump called for Fain’s dismissal, criticizing the union’s handling of auto manufacturing shifts to Mexico.
Trump condemned the UAW for allowing China to build auto plants in Mexico and selling Mexican-assembled vehicles in the U.S., asserting that the union should be ashamed. He stated, “The leader of the United Auto Workers should be fired immediately. And every single auto worker, union and non-union, should be voting for Donald Trump.”
This demand was not included in the prepared remarks provided to reporters by Trump’s campaign prior to the speech.
The UAW, headquartered in Detroit, had endorsed Democratic President Joe Biden’s reelection in January. In response to Trump’s comments, the UAW’s social media labeled Trump “a scab and a billionaire,” asserting, “We know which side we’re on. Not his.”
Shawn Fain has been a prominent figure for the UAW, securing significant wins in negotiations with Ford, General Motors, and Stellantis last year. Additionally, the union achieved a breakthrough by winning a union organizing election at Volkswagen AG’s plant in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
Despite facing a court-appointed monitor investigating allegations of improper actions to benefit his fiancée and her sister, Fain has continued to advocate for workers’ rights. He emphasized the importance of electing leaders who support the working class.
Trump reiterated his opposition to electric vehicle mandates, promising to eliminate them if elected, claiming this would save the U.S. auto industry from “complete obliteration.” He also proposed imposing 100% to 200% tariffs on cars built by Chinese companies in Mexico to make them unsellable in the U.S.
Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that during Biden’s term, vehicle and parts manufacturing jobs in Michigan have remained relatively steady, decreasing by less than 1% to about 165,000 jobs in May. In contrast, during Trump’s four-year term, these jobs fell by 5% to approximately 166,000.
Trump’s aggressive stance at the convention underscores his commitment to reshaping trade and manufacturing policies while targeting union leadership. The UAW’s response highlights the ongoing political and economic tensions within the auto industry as the election approaches.
