Trump Slams Ford For Mexico Jobs

2015 Ford Fusion (Credit: Ford)

Donald Trump continues to make waves and befuddle the political establishment in the United States, thanks largely for his propensity to say things other politicians avoid. He’s been called crass and uncouth by some, while others find his straightforward delivery refreshing.

Now, Trump is leveling some serious criticism at Ford Motor Co. While attending an event in the state of Michigan, the presidential candidate slammed the Blue Oval for constructing a $2.5 billion production facility in Mexico. During his run, Trump has repeatedly voiced his disdain for U.S. jobs going south of the border, which has stirred up some controversy.

Trump went on to give some “advice” to Ford, saying that the company should just let illegal immigrants from Mexico drive the new cars into the United States. The crowd he was addressing gave him a standing ovation.

Ford and other automakers are coming under increasing pressure from Detroit and other traditional industrial hubs inside the United States, thanks to Trump’s refusal to back down on what he sees as the disintegration of domestic jobs in favor of Mexicans.

While some may dismiss Trump as a silly candidate for president, he has been able to generate considerable support. That’s a problem for Ford, because it’s being cast in a light that’s not favorable to many potential car shoppers. It’s true that quite a few other automakers have been establishing factories in Mexico, but they’re not under the same level of scrutiny as Ford.

Ford did fire back after the Trump rally right on its home turf. The automaker highlighted that it’s working hard to create jobs domestically as well, plus clarified that the new plants in Mexico will be to produce engines and transmissions, not finished vehicles. In addition, Ford was quick to point out that since 2011 it has invested $6.2 billion in production plants located in the United States, plus had hired almost 25,000 workers.