Trump Consulted Auto CEOs Before Easing Tariffs/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President Donald Trump’s decision to ease auto tariffs came after private calls with several U.S. and foreign auto executives. A new executive order will reflect a phased plan shaped by those discussions. Meanwhile, the Senate prepares for another symbolic vote to challenge Trump’s sweeping trade policy.
Trump’s Tariff Rollback: Quick Looks
- Trump spoke directly with automaker CEOs before policy shift
- Executive order will lay out a 3-year phased plan
- U.S.-made vehicle components will be exempt from tariffs
- Foreign-made parts remain subject to import taxes
- Goal is to incentivize manufacturing relocation to the U.S.
- Vice President JD Vance and Trade Rep. Jamieson Greer to brief Senate GOP
- Senate to vote Wednesday on second attempt to block tariffs
- Trump expected to veto any successful repeal legislation
Trump Consulted Auto CEOs Before Easing Tariffs
Deep Look
Auto CEOs Shaped Trump’s Decision to Ease Vehicle Tariffs, Sources Say
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump will ease auto tariffs through a new executive order after personally hearing concerns from multiple automaker CEOs, three senior White House officials said.
The decision comes after a flurry of private calls between Trump and auto executives worried about the impact of steep 25% tariffs on vehicle imports and parts. According to officials familiar with the discussions, much of the policy being formalized today reflects that CEO input.
“The president wants to maintain flexibility,” one White House official said, noting that Trump has been in “close correspondence with auto CEOs” during recent weeks.
New Tariff Plan: A Three-Year Strategy
The forthcoming executive order lays out a structured, three-year approach to scaling auto tariffs. According to sources, U.S.-manufactured vehicle components will be exempt, while parts made outside the country will remain subject to import taxes.
The intention is to gradually phase out tariffs as foreign automakers transition more production to American soil — aligning with Trump’s broader “America First” economic strategy.
The move seeks to balance industry concerns with Trump’s commitment to reshoring industrial jobs and maintaining leverage in broader trade negotiations.
Senate GOP Prepares for Tariff Vote as Vance, Greer Brief Lawmakers
In a parallel development, Vice President JD Vance and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer will attend the Senate Republican policy lunch today, ahead of a Senate vote on a resolution aimed at overturning Trump’s tariffs.
Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso confirmed the high-level meeting but said the full agenda remains unclear. He expects Greer to brief senators on recent trade developments and negotiations.
The vote — set for Wednesday — marks the second time this month the Senate will go on record challenging Trump’s tariff policies. The first vote narrowly passed 51–48 with bipartisan support from four Republican senators: Mitch McConnell, Rand Paul, Lisa Murkowski, and Susan Collins.
Little Chance of Success, But Political Pressure Builds
Despite the upcoming vote, the resolution is unlikely to gain traction. The GOP-controlled House will not take up the measure, and Trump is expected to veto it if necessary.
Still, Senate Majority Leader John Thune acknowledged the symbolic value of the vote, especially for Democrats. “They think it puts Republicans in an uncomfortable position, but I don’t think most Republicans see it that way,” he said.
Barrasso, meanwhile, defended Trump’s China tariffs, describing them as vital for national security. “This vote is much more focused on China. We have to do everything we can to protect the American people from Chinese aggression,” he said.
Industry Pushback Continues
The auto industry has been especially vocal in recent weeks. Companies like General Motors and Stellantis warned that higher tariffs would raise costs, risk layoffs, and hurt U.S. competitiveness.
Trump’s updated plan could help reduce pressure on domestic manufacturers while still keeping the trade war leverage intact — a political win with economic consequences still to unfold.
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