A new 25% tariff on Chinese EVs might sound like “America First.” But here’s the truth: it risks turning the U.S. auto industry into an expensive, isolated island — while China races ahead to dominate the global electric future.
This isn’t speculation. History shows us what happens when we wall off competition:
- The Chicken Tax of the 1960s locked American automakers into a gas-guzzler mindset — making us less competitive and less fuel-efficient.
- Trump’s reworked trade deal raised wages on parts production to levels that pushed out Mexico, killing the cost advantage.
- Now, high tariffs and tangled supply chains are jacking up prices and causing layoffs — while Chinese brands like BYD flood world markets with ultra-affordable, fast-charging EVs.
We’re not defending American innovation. We’re defending stagnation.
If we want to win the future, we need smart industrial strategy — not nostalgic protectionism.
Here’s what that looks like:
- Incentivize EV innovation, not just EV purchases.
- Rebuild the battery supply chain in North America.
- Rejoin global markets with competitive, climate-forward vehicles.
- Invest in labor and automation — not just tariffs and talking points.
As a candidate for Congress, I’m focused on policies that make American industries globally competitive — not just politically convenient.
Because being “America First” means being the best — not the most insulated.
We can’t tariff our way to leadership. We need to build our way there.
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