Manufacturing Workers Targeted Again with 'Tariff Bomb'
Harsh Words: "Not Human" for Illegal Immigrants
Former U.S. President Donald Trump announced that he would impose a 100% tariff on Chinese cars produced in Mexico. He threatened to block China's circumvention exports through Mexico, which has lower tariffs, to avoid the high U.S. tariffs on China. He also made inflammatory remarks, saying that if he loses this election, the auto industry and the entire country would become a "bloodbath."
In a speech held on the 16th (local time) in Dayton, Ohio, former President Trump mentioned Chinese President Xi Jinping, saying, "The huge monstrous car manufacturing plant being built in Mexico will not employ Americans and will sell cars to us," and made the announcement.
He said, "We will slap a 100% tariff on every car crossing the border," adding, "If I am elected, you will not be able to sell those cars." He warned, "If you ruin us, we will ruin you too," calling it "very simple and very fair."
Previously, former President Trump had announced a plan to impose a 50% tariff on cars produced by Chinese companies in Mexico. This time, he raised the tariff rate to double, intensifying his remarks. He aims to block Chinese companies from building car factories in Mexico and circumventing exports to the U.S. Currently, the U.S. imposes a 25% tariff on Chinese-made cars·and parts, while applying tariffs of 2.5% on cars and 0-6% on parts from Mexico. Mexico has low export tariffs to the U.S. based on the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), a free trade agreement among the three North American countries.
The "100% bomb tariff" remark came as former President Trump discussed the auto industry, labor unions, and the transition to electric vehicles. He continues to emphasize trade, tariffs, and electric vehicle issues to win votes from the Rust Belt voters in the U.S. Midwest and South, regions suffering from manufacturing decline.
Former President Trump did not hesitate to make inflammatory remarks, saying that if he loses this election, the U.S. auto industry and the country would become a "bloodbath." He said, "If I am not elected, everything will become a bloodbath," adding, "At least it will be like that. The country will be a bloodbath." Regarding those imprisoned for the January 6 Capitol riot, he called them "hostages" and said, "They have been treated very terribly and unfairly. On the first day of my administration, we will save the country and take care of those incredible patriots." Currently, former President Trump is on trial for inciting supporters to riot at the Capitol on January 6, 2021, in an attempt to overturn the election results.
Additionally, former President Trump said illegal immigrants are "not people," adding, "The radical left says it's terrible to say that, so I can't say it." He has promised to close the border and forcibly deport immigrants if elected.
President Joe Biden's campaign immediately condemned former President Trump. The Biden camp said, "This is exactly who Donald Trump is," and directly attacked him as "a loser who, after losing by more than 7 million votes, doubles down on threats of political violence rather than appealing to more mainstream voters."
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