President Donald Trump said Saturday that he is unfazed by the potential increase in car prices following his administration’s decision to impose tariffs on imported vehicles and parts.
“I don’t care at all. I hope they go up, because if they do, people will buy cars made in the United States. We have a lot of them,” Trump told NBC’s Kristen Welker, according to AFP and Agerpres.
The statement comes after the Wall Street Journal reported that Trump had warned auto industry leaders against raising prices, threatening potential retaliation.
On Thursday, Trump announced a 25% tariff on imported cars and light trucks, set to take effect on April 3.
However, tariffs on auto parts from Mexico and Canada—covered under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA)—will be delayed, leaving uncertainty for manufacturers relying on international supply chains.
The president argues the move will boost domestic car manufacturing and protect the American auto industry. However, stock prices of major U.S. automakers have already taken a hit following the announcement, and experts warn that consumers could face higher vehicle prices.
When asked by NBC News what message he had for concerned auto executives, Trump responded, “The message is: congratulations.”
“If you make the car in the United States, you’re going to make a lot of money. Otherwise, you’re probably going to have to come to the United States,” he added.
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