Democratic Senators Call on Trump to Block Chinese Automakers From Manufacturing in U.S.

By Elias Schisgall

Three Democratic senators called on President Trump to crack down on the manufacturing and sales of Chinese vehicles in the U.S.

Democratic Sens. Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin, Elissa Slotkin of Michigan, and Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York wrote a letter to Trump also calling for a ban on Chinese vehicles manufactured or titled in Canada and Mexico from entering the U.S.

They additionally argued against letting Chinese automakers open factories in the U.S. and said the administration should work with allies to "address the serious threat posed by Chinese vehicles." They said the U.S. should support American automakers and their supply chains, adding that Chinese high-tech vehicles could pose a national security risk.

"We urge you to stay the course and make it clear that Chinese auto manufacturers and their products present unprecedented dangers to our economic and national security, and their manufacture, sale, or operation on U.S. soil is non-negotiable," the senators wrote.

The letter follows Trump's suggestion at a January meeting of the Detroit Economic Club that despite the administration's trade tensions with China, he was open to Chinese automakers making investments in the U.S.

"If they want to come in and build a plant and hire you and hire your friends and your neighbors, that's great, I love that," Trump said during the event. "Let China come in."

Write to Elias Schisgall at elias.schisgall@wsj.com

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

April 03, 2026 12:14 ET (16:14 GMT)