Trump slams 'politically correct' auto companies, 'foolish executives'
President Trump slammed “politically correct” automakers on Wednesday, defending his plan to roll back Obama-era carbon emissions standards.
“My proposal to the politically correct Automobile Companies would lower the average price of a car to consumers by more than $3000, while at the same time making the cars substantially safer,” Trump tweeted.
In June, 17 major auto companies called on the Trump administration and the state of California to compromise on emissions standards. Then in July, four automakers came to an agreement with California on gas mileage and emissions standards, side-stepping the Trump administration.
“Engines would run smoother,” Trump continued. “Very little impact on the environment! Foolish executives!”
California's rules would require light duty model year 2026 vehicles from Ford, Honda, Volkswagen and BMW to hit a minimum of 50 miles per gallon. Trump wants the current standard of 37 miles per gallon to continue until 2026 without rising.
"Ensuring that America's vehicles are efficient, safe and affordable is a priority for us all," the automakers said in a July statement. "These terms will provide our companies much-needed regulatory certainty by allowing us to meet both federal and state requirements with a single national fleet, avoiding a patchwork of regulations while continuing to ensure meaningful greenhouse gas emissions reductions."
| Ticker | Security | Last | Change | Change % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| F | FORD MOTOR CO. | 11.25 | +0.45 | +4.12% |
| HNDAF | HONDA MOTOR CO. LTD. | 9 | +0.25 | +2.86% |
| VWAGY | VOLKSWAGEN AG | 8.76 | +0.02 | +0.23% |
| BMWYY | NO DATA AVAILABLE | - | - | - |
California Gov. Gavin Newsom said Tuesday that the deal with automakers was a "big blow" to the Trump administration.
“This is pathetic and it shows the weakness of the administration,” Newsom said of Trump's push against the standards, according to the Los Angeles Times. “No one wants [Trump’s mileage policy] except the oil companies. And what a sad, pathetic state of affairs that they’re the ones calling the shots.”