U.S. President Donald Trump has urged automakers, including electric vehicle leader Tesla, to produce entire vehicles and all related parts within the United States, criticizing the global supply chain model for automotive manufacturing.
Speaking at a press conference marking Tesla CEO Elon Musk’s final day as a senior White House adviser, Trump responded to a question about the impact of tariffs on companies like Tesla that still rely on imported parts. “He’s going to end up building his whole car here. Pretty much he does. All of the manufacturers will build their parts here too,” Trump said, referring to Musk.
He expressed frustration over current production practices where components are made in countries such as Canada, Mexico, and across Europe before being shipped for assembly in the U.S. “It used to bother me they make a part in Canada, a part in Mexico, a part in Europe, and sent all over the place, and nobody knew what the hell was happening,” he remarked.
The administration recently imposed a 25% tariff on imported vehicles and parts, sparking concern in the auto industry over rising costs and potential supply chain disruptions. While Tesla assembles its electric vehicles domestically, many key components are still sourced internationally.
Tesla has not released a public statement in response to the president’s comments.
The press conference, held in the Oval Office, also marked Musk’s departure as a special government employee in charge of the Department of Government Efficiency. Trump praised Musk, calling him his “first buddy,” during what he described as a grand farewell for the billionaire entrepreneur.
Musk announced his resignation earlier this week, a decision that was welcomed by some Tesla investors after a volatile year for the company, marked by stock fluctuations and criticism over Musk’s vocal support for Trump and far-right political figures in Europe.
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