President Trump touted “a new industrial revolution” and “cancelled” one of his predecessor’s last moves — stricter environmental standards for motor vehicles — in a speech Wednesday in Michigan.
“I’m asking all of the companies here today to join us in this new industrial revolution,” Trump told car workers at a former assembly plant in Ypsilanti.
“Let us put American workers, American families and American dreams first once again,” he said, hitting familiar campaign themes.
Trump knocked President Obama for an “11th hour executive action” putting stricter measures on federal fuel-efficiency standards.
“Today I am announcing that we are going to cancel that executive action,” Trump announced to cheers.
Trump pledged to “fight to keep vehicle production in the United States” and teased a new policy that he’d roll out next week related to the issue.
“We’re going to have a very big announcement next week having to do with your industry,” he said.
”There is no more beautiful sight than an American-made car,” he also said.
The president also had an awkward encounter with his chief of staff, when he told the auto execs at a meeting before his public speech that Reince Priebus may run a car company some day.
But, apparently realizing that it may sound like he’s promoting a new job for the highest ranking White House official, Trump was sure to add, “He’s done a great job.”
At the same meeting, the president leaned on the CEO of Toyota North America to build more cars in America. “You have to build plants here. I know I gave you a hard time but you have to build them here,” Trump said.
“I understand,” CEO Jim Lentz replied. “I understand.”
Before the speech, General Motors announced add 220 workers to one Michigan plant and re-hire 680 others laid off at another plant.