03/18/2025
Why America’s Largest Auto Union Backs Trump’s Tariffs—While Canada’s Opposes Them
At first glance, the differing stances of two influential auto unions with a long history of shared interests may seem surprising.
The United Auto Workers (UAW), which represents thousands of American auto workers, has voiced strong support for U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs on Canada and Mexico.
“We are pleased to see an American president take bold steps to end the free trade disaster that has devastated the working class,” the union recently stated.
In stark contrast, its Canadian counterpart has condemned the tariffs and criticized the UAW’s position as “naïve,” pointing to expert warnings about the negative effects tariffs could have on the auto industry and American autoworkers alike.
