logo
Automakers Change Production, Sales Plans Based on Trump Tariffs

Automakers Change Production, Sales Plans Based on Trump Tariffs

Newsweek02-05-2025
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
The global automotive industry has responded in a variety of ways to tariffs imposed by the Trump administration. Some companies ceased imports while others have announced price freezes. Automakers have even gone so far as to announce production shifts.
Under current rules, vehicles imported to the U.S. are subject to a 25 percent tariff. This week, President Trump signed an executive order modifying the tariff action on vehicles and car parts. The higher the percentage of a vehicle that is made in the U.S. or falls under USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement) regulation, the less tariffs will have to be paid on it.
"Tariff uncertainty is forcing automakers into a reactive tailspin. In an industry that thrives on stability and long lead times, shifting policies upend both short-term production planning and long-term investment strategy—driving up costs, undercutting margins and destabilizing global supply chains," Paul Waatti, director of industry analysis at AutoPacific, told Newsweek.
Newsweek asked every major automaker how they're adjusting to the tariffs. Here's what they said.
Aston Martin
In its first-quarter earnings call, the automaker announced that it has paused all imports to the U.S. A company spokesperson offered no comment to Newsweek on other speculative press reports regarding inventory sales.
Doors-up view of the 2026 Aston Martin Valhalla.
Doors-up view of the 2026 Aston Martin Valhalla.
Aston Martin
Audi
"We look to price our vehicles to be competitive in the market and attractive for U.S. consumers. Audi will maintain current pricing on new and existing models through the end of May while continuing to evaluate the impact of the changing tariff landscape long-term. We have no further information to share at this time," a company spokesperson told Newsweek.
Bentley Motors
A spokesperson told Newsweek, "Bentley is monitoring the U.S. tariff situation closely. At this time pricing remains unchanged, and all customer orders are being price protected."
BMW Group
Automotive News reported that an internal memo shared with dealers stated that BMW will not raise prices on most of its new models until the end of June. The company's 2-Series and 3-Series cars are built in Mexico and will have a 4 percent price increase in May. A spokesperson for BMW told Newsweek, "We are evaluating these latest announcements in detail and will not comment further at this time."
Ferrari
Some Ferrari models, the Purosangue SUV, 12Cilindri and F80 cars, received a 10 percent price increase in response to the Trump administration's tariff news a few weeks ago. Newsweek has reached out to Ferrari for an update.
Ford Motor Company
In April, Ford kicked off a sales promotion in reaction to the Trump tariffs announcement. From April 3 to June 2, the company is offering select 2024 and 2025 Ford and Lincoln brand vehicles at the discounted price it offers its employees. The promotion covers gasoline, battery-electric and hybrid powertrain models.
Some vehicles are not covered in the promotion: Ford Bronco Stroppe and Raptor SUVs, Ford F-150 Raptor trucks, Ford Mustang Dark Horse and GTD cars, all Ford chassis cab models, 2025 Ford Expedition, 2025 Lincoln Navigator, 2025 Ford Explorer and 2025 Lincoln Aviator.
When contacted for comment, the company directed Newsweek to CEO Jim Farley's quotes from earlier this week at the Ford Expedition launch event in Kentucky: "Imagine if the companies importing 8 million vehicles a year into America invested in this country like Ford does, instead of putting out ads that cherry-pick data to 'prove' how American they supposedly are. Some people call this 'America-washing'—and that's not what we need right now. We need real commitment."
Jim Farley, President and Chief Executive Officer of Ford, speaks at the Ford Motor Company Kentucky Truck Plant to launch the 2025 Ford Expedition, Wednesday, April 30, 2025, in Louisville, Ky.
Jim Farley, President and Chief Executive Officer of Ford, speaks at the Ford Motor Company Kentucky Truck Plant to launch the 2025 Ford Expedition, Wednesday, April 30, 2025, in Louisville, Ky.
associated press
"More than 80 percent of the vehicles Ford sells in America are assembled in America – plus we export significantly. If each of our competitors matched that commitment, it would mean 4 million more vehicles assembled in America every single year. Think about that. What a job stimulus that would be for our country," he said.
General Motors
In a letter to shareholders this week, General Motors CEO Mary Barra made the case that the automaker is authentically invested in America. "Almost one million people in this country depend on GM for their livelihoods, including our employees, suppliers and dealers. We have a network of 50 U.S. manufacturing plants and parts facilities in 19 states, which includes 11 vehicle assembly plants. And we have invested $60 billion here over the last five years," she wrote.
She also explained that GM faces, "a current tariff exposure of $4 billion - $5 billion."
On a call with analysts, Barra said that the company's Fort Wayne, Indiana, truck plant, where the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 are built, has increased production by 50,000 units. Overtime days may be added to the work schedules of workers to support the change. Reuters reported that a letter sent to United Auto Workers Local 2209 members told employees that 225 to 250 jobs will be added as a result of the increase.
Newsweek has reached out to General Motors for additional comment but did not hear back by the deadline.
2025 Honda Civic hybrid front view while being driven.
2025 Honda Civic hybrid front view while being driven.
American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
Honda
In April, Honda confirmed that it would move production of its Civic hybrid sedan to the U.S. from Japan in response to tariffs. The Civic hybrid is projected to make up about 40 percent of all American Civic sales. Production of Acura models is currently unchanged.
A request to Honda for comment went unanswered by Newsweek's deadline.
Hyundai Motor Group
All Kia, Genesis and Hyundai branded models have their prices frozen until at least June.
The opening of the company's Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America, and promises of new and expanded production capacity for supplies and final assembly products, were touted by the Trump administration weeks ago as an example of making America great again.
When contacted for comment, the company pointed Newsweek to this statement, released earlier this week: "Hyundai Motor Company President and CEO Jose Muñoz was honored to join President Trump and fellow business leaders at the White House to recognize the vital role private investment plays in strengthening America's economy. Hyundai Motor Group recently announced a $21 billion commitment to the United States to expand manufacturing capacity, strengthen supply chains, and support future technologies such as advanced mobility, robotics, artificial intelligence, and EV charging infrastructure. These investments are expected to create more than 100,000 direct and indirect jobs across the country, including 14,000 new full-time positions at Hyundai.
"Hyundai's commitment to the United States spans nearly four decades and supports over 570,000 American jobs across our operations and supply chain. The newly opened Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America in Georgia—the largest economic development project in the state's history—underscores our long-term investment in U.S. manufacturing, innovation, and workforce development. This year, we are also celebrating the 20th anniversary of Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama, which laid the foundation for the growth of our U.S. production footprint. We remain deeply committed to expanding our presence and contributing to the country's economic success."
Ineos
An Ineos spokesperson told Newsweek that the company has raised the price of its Grenedier SUV five percent to $78,900 and Quartermaster pickup to $92,900, a 10 percent increase, in response to the tariffs. Any inventory that existed on dealer lots prior to April 3 and is still there is not subject to the price increase.
JLR
The flow of shipped vehicles from the U.K. to the U.S. is ongoing with new inventory arriving at dealerships. "The USA is an important market for JLR's luxury brands and incremental 25 percent tariffs on autos remain in place. As we work to address the new U.S. trading terms with our business partners, we are enacting our planned short-term actions, as we develop our mid- to long-term plans. We will give a further update at our full year results in May," a company spokesperson told Newsweek.
Lucid Motors
Lucid responded to a comment request from Newsweek by directing attention to the April interview its interim CEO Marc Winterhoff did with Fox Business anchor Liz Claman on "The Claman Countdown" where Winteroff breaks down where various components of Lucid's vehicles are made and assembled.
Mazda
Mazda Toyota Manufacturing (MTM) will suspend production of the CX-50 for the Canadian market starting May 12. The temporary pause, a spokesperson for Mazda North American Operations told Newsweek, will not result in any changes to overall production volume as the company will increase production for the U.S. market at during the pause.
2025 Mazda CX-50 front view while parked.
2025 Mazda CX-50 front view while parked.
Mazda North American Operations
MTM is Mazda's only vehicle assembly plant in the U.S. "We intend to utilize MTM to the fullest to support the growth of our business," the spokesperson said. "We will continue to monitor the situation, including government negotiations, market trends and policy developments, and will consider flexible and appropriate responses accordingly."
Mercedes-Benz
Weeks ago, the German automaker confirmed media reports that prices will not rise on 2025 model year vehicles at this time.
Mercedes-Benz announced this week that it intends to produce a new vehicle at its Tuscaloosa, Alabama plant beginning in 2027. The automakers said in a press release that the model will be "tailored to U.S. customer preferences." Vehicles are routinely tuned for the market where they are sold to meet customer expectations.
Mercedes-Benz already makes the GLE, GLS, GLE Coupe and Mercedes-Maybach GLS as well as the EQE SUV, EQS SUV and Mercedes-Maybach EQS SUV for all global markets at its Alabama facility.
Mitsubishi
On Thursday, the automaker confirmed to Newsweek that it's still shipping vehicles from Japan to the U.S. However, those vehicles are being held at the port once they arrive as the company evaluates the longevity and impact of the tariffs on their business. Mitsubishi plans to release the vehicles to be shipped within the country at what it says is, "the appropriate time."
Nissan Motor Corporation
A spokesperson told Newsweek that the Nissan's brand stance as not changed following the latest tariff news, pointing out that in the U.S. Nissan sells six vehicles priced under $30,000.
"Nissan holds a unique position in the industry. Not only do we offer six vehicles at a starting price of under $30k—spanning sedans, SUVs and EVs—but, in a market where vehicle prices have increased, we've recently further reduced the price of our best-selling model, Rogue. Whether a first-time buyer or someone simply seeking greater affordability, we can meet consumer needs without compromising on quality, safety, advanced technology or value," Vinay Shahani, senior vice president of U.S. marketing and sales for Nissan Americas, told Newsweek.
A report by Nikkei said that the company plans to shift some Rogue SUV production to the Nissan plant in Smyrna, Tennessee. The company also makes the Rogue at its facility in Kanda, Fukuoka, Japan.
Side and rear view of the 2025 Nissan Rogue Rock Creek SUV.
Side and rear view of the 2025 Nissan Rogue Rock Creek SUV.
Nissan
Tiago Castro, vice president of INFINITI Americas, told Newsweek, "As the tariff situation evolves, we've taken proactive steps to minimize disruption for both our clients and retail network. That includes guaranteeing MSRP through June 2 to provide continued stability and value."
"On the production side, we are accelerating our focus on U.S. manufacturing. Infiniti will continue assembling Infiniti QX60 at our Smyrna, Tennessee, plant, increasing volume to meet growing demand. Infiniti QX65, an all-new nameplate for the brand, will also be built in Tennessee, reinforcing our commitment to localized manufacturing. We currently have ample U.S. inventory that remains unaffected by the new tariffs," he said.
Castro added: "We're continuing to monitor the situation closely and will make further adjustments as needed to ensure our clients receive strong value, exceptional service and uninterrupted access to our award-winning lineup."
Rivian
Like Lucid, much of Rivian's product is sourced from, built in and assembled in the U.S. The company told Newsweek that it did not have a comment for this story at this time.
Stellantis
The parent company of the Jeep, Chrysler, Dodge, Ram, Fiat and Alfa Romeo brands has paused European vehicle imports and scaled back other shipments in response to the tariffs.
In April, the company announced a production pause at its factories in Canada and Mexico, a move that trickles down to result in an expected 900 layoffs at temporary layoffs at the automaker's American powertrain and stamping plants.
When contacted for comment, the company pointed Newsweek to information from their Q1 shipments and revenues call. Stellantis' Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram and Fiat brands will offer the Employee Pricing Plu$ program through May on select 2024 and 2025. The difference between the Employee Pricing Plu$ program and the America's Freedom of Choice program that was previously offered is that the new program allows buyers to take advantage of employee pricing and incentives.
Subaru
Some speculative media reports indicated that Subaru was moving production of its Outback model out of Indiana, to Japan, in reaction to the Trump tariffs. The change was planned before the 2024 election, as the plant is switching to produce the Forester hybrid SUV instead. When contacted by Newsweek, Subaru had no comment for this story.
Toyota Motor Corporation
The company told Newsweek that everything for Toyota and Lexus is "business as usual" right now, with no adjustments to sales objectives or manufacturing.
Volkswagen
Thursday, a Volkswagen representative told Newsweek: "We appreciate the Trump Administration's decision to ease some automotive tariffs. We're assessing the impact of this recent move and how we'll adjust the business. No final decisions have been made. We are committed to our customers, our dealers and our employees in North America."
Volvo
The Swedish automaker told Newsweek: "Volvo Cars follows government rules and pays all required duties on all imported vehicles and on all parts as required by law. This is standard practice and what we do in all markets where we operate. We are looking into the effects of the recent changes in tariffs as announced by the U.S. government though it is too soon to comment further at this stage."
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Electric Vehicle Maker Rivian Is Running on All Cylinders
Electric Vehicle Maker Rivian Is Running on All Cylinders

Newsweek

time7 minutes ago

  • Newsweek

Electric Vehicle Maker Rivian Is Running on All Cylinders

Rivian is running on all cylinders. Despite the newness of the electric vehicle company, it has quickly garnered a strong fan following and is scheduled to grow beyond its two-model lineup this year. In addition to product, the company is moving forward with plans to establish an East Coast operations hub in Atlanta, Georgia, and a second factory an hour outside the city. Despite its newness, Rivian is one of America's Greatest Companies 2025 as determined by Newsweek based on a competitive analysis of comprehensive reviews that were supported by third-party data. Rivian's CEO, RJ Scaringe, was named Newsweek's World's Greatest Auto Disruptor Executive of the Year in 2024. "We've always approached growth with a long-term view, focusing on vertical integration, strong financial discipline and strategic growth," Rivian's chief people officer Scott Griffin told Newsweek. The company's R2 and R3 SUVs are next up in the product development cycle. "With R2 and R3, we're expanding our brand story in a way that makes adventure more accessible, without compromising the design, performance, and technology that define Rivian. These vehicles are a major step forward in our engineering evolution: built on a new midsize platform that enables more efficiency, faster production, and lower cost, while still delivering the capability and versatility people expect from us," Griffin said. Rivian's Nashville location. Rivian's Nashville location. Rivian "From a brand perspective, R2 and R3 let us reach a broader audience: people who are ready for electric but haven't yet found a vehicle that fits their lifestyle or values. We're sharing our purpose-driven design, class-leading technology, and off-road capability into something that can live in more environments," he continued. The company has been criticized for its choosiness and selections, but it's paying off in profits. "By developing our own software, hardware and infrastructure, we've created an agile platform that allows us to adapt quickly, while scaling responsibly and effectively. We're also deliberate about the markets we enter, building strong communities of passionate owners and delivering a product experience that earns loyalty. Ultimately, our viability comes down to one thing: stay true to our mission. We are here to inspire people to explore the world and protect it for future generations. As long as we're doing that with integrity and innovation, we're confident we are building something that will last," Griffin said. Rivian often receives praise for its adherence to a cohesive company image, from its Outpost charging points to Spaces company stores to marketing initiatives. It's part of a deliberate act by the company to create a narrative and culture that fits from top to bottom. "We've always believed that our greatest strength comes from bringing ALL people together with a commitment to creating a future where every individual is valued, connected, and empowered to contribute their best work. We are intentionally cultivating an environment that fosters both high performance and deep connection. The culture we build at Rivian is our most important long-term advantage. Whether it's our teams, our spaces or how we work, everything is designed to spark innovation, strengthen collaboration, and make people proud to be a part of Rivian," Griffin said. The company hosts events at its Irvine, California, headquarters and Normal, Illinois, factory that fit into its cultural ethos. "We create meaningful connection and memories through engaging in-person events like our annual Family & Friends Days, our Holidazzzler celebration, and community 5K runs. Digitally, our intranet, The Current, plays a huge role in keeping everyone at the company informed and engaged with the latest news and information. We also have monthly Company Updates with our CEO and other leaders to share key priorities and provide employee recognition. Together, these efforts help foster a culture where employees feel connected, valued and inspired by our mission to keep the world adventurous forever," he said. Growing buy-in from an employee when they start with the company can be easier than maintaining their allegiance. Griffin said: "Maintaining a positive work environment as we grow is a deliberate and ongoing effort. It starts with clearly defined company values, so everyone understands what matters most, regardless of how fast we scale. "We invest in consistent, meaningful communication that both informs and inspires. Through robust internal channels, we meet employees where they are, keeping them connected to our mission and each other. We provide employees the opportunity to make meaningful contributions agnostic to their amount of experience. For example - our interns are both amazed and delighted when their work becomes new content in our vehicles. "Our leaders also play a critical role in shaping our culture. We support them through tools, training and regular touchpoints such as senior leadership meetings and monthly updates, so they can guide their teams effectively through change while reinforcing what makes Rivian a great place to work." Though its business is the here and now, Rivian is preparing for the future and taking a hard look at its impact as a company. "What excites our team most about the future is the opportunity to scale our impact. We are bringing category defining products to market that provide consumers with choices never before available. "Our employees came to Rivian to bring extraordinary products to life. With R2 on the near horizon, we're entering a new chapter, bringing our mission to broader audiences and making electric vehicles accessible to more people. But it's not just about the products. It's about what they represent: progress toward a more sustainable future, innovation that pushes the boundaries and a company culture that empowers people to do meaningful work. "No matter what team you are on at Rivian, there's a sense that we're building something that truly matters and that's incredibly energizing for our employees," Griffin said.

How Trump is making pot a MAGA issue
How Trump is making pot a MAGA issue

Axios

time8 minutes ago

  • Axios

How Trump is making pot a MAGA issue

President Trump is opening the door to reclassifying marijuana, potentially allowing the GOP to claim another health issue that's long been associated with Democrats. Why it matters: The administration has already flipped the political script when it comes to banning food dyes, calling for an end to animal lab testing and embracing psychedelics for mental health. Rescheduling marijuana could be a big step toward establishing an interstate cannabis trade — and turning a policy long sought by congressional Democrats and promoted by the Biden administration into reality. Driving the news: Trump brought up the subject during a recent event with donors at his Bedminster, New Jersey, country club after marijuana companies contributed millions of dollars to his political organizations, the Wall Street Journal first reported. While falling short of legalization, designating pot to have medical value and less dangerous than its Schedule I designation would be a major jolt to cannabis companies that run on thin margins, per Axios' Dan Primack. It would allow them to deduct business expenses on their taxes and also reduce restrictions on cannabis research. The industry has mounted"a very powerful PR effort," Kevin Sabet, founder of Smart Approaches to Marijuana who served in the White House Office of Drug Control Policy under three administrations, told Axios. "They've spent hundreds of millions of dollars in total to influence the president from Florida onward, whether it's inauguration, whether it's million-dollar-plate fundraisers in New Jersey. They are going all out because they want this tax break." Catch up quick: Polling from the Pew Research Center and others have shown increasing support for marijuana legalization across the political spectrum, with 88% favoring medical or recreational use. "Cannabis has become a less partisan [issue] over time, and this has been accelerated by the proliferation of intoxicating hemp products," Beau Kilmer, co-director of the RAND Drug Policy Research Center, told Axios. "Heck, I was just in Indiana where someone could buy THC drinks in grocery stores and bars — I don't even see that here in California." While much of Trump's orbit has been more circumspect about making such a change, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is a notable exception, Sabet said. Kennedy supported legalization of marijuana during his presidential campaign and said it could open up more research into risks and benefits, although he has also warned about potential "catastrophic impacts" on users. There's still a big difference between rescheduling a drug and federal legalization, which demonstrates the political winds of change are moving slowly. Multiple state ballot initiatives seeking to legalize recreational pot have failed over the last several years. Trump, like Biden, is a teetotaler, and neither has expressed great enthusiasm for legalization over the years, said Jonathan Caulkins, a professor at Carnegie Mellon University. "The way to think about it is some people wanted Biden to legalize. Biden didn't want to do that, so he said, 'Well, I'll suggest rescheduling, which will make some people think that we've made a big change, but it isn't really,'" Caulkins said. Friction point: The rescheduling of marijuana means the government would be officially recognizing its medicinal uses. That's difficult when the quality and consistency of the botanical version of the drug isn't like more conventional pharmaceuticals, Caulkins said. The move also would transfer cannabis to the purview of the Food and Drug Administration, which could create headaches for the agency. The FDA would be "between a rock and a hard place," Caulkins said. "They either have to ignore their own rules and regulations and say, we're just going to let the cannabis happen without the usual standards for medicine, or we're going to bite the bullet and crack down on a multibillion-dollar industry that's been operating for years now." The big picture: A rescheduling would be further evidence of the MAGA world's ability to take the reins on issues once associated with the progressive movement. "For the left, it's been much more about sort of social justice and righting the wrongs of the drug war," Sabet said. On the other hand: "You have part of the MAGA wing that has embraced this," he said. "It's about business, it's about money." Yes, but: This is already stirring up some disagreement among Trump's base. "I hope this doesn't happen," Turning Point USA founder and key MAGA influencer Charlie Kirk posted on X. "Everything already smells like weed, which is ridiculous. Let's make it harder to ruin public spaces, not easier." Relaxing marijuana rules also is stirring concern among state GOP lawmakers in states like Ohio, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania. Even administration officials such as FDA commissioner Marty Makary have posted warnings about health risks from cannabis use. Reality check: Trump was vague on the timing of any move when he confirmed the WSJ's reporting on Monday, saying: "We're only looking at that. It's early."

Unlike at Columbia, Trump's attack on UCLA is aimed at taxpayer money
Unlike at Columbia, Trump's attack on UCLA is aimed at taxpayer money

Los Angeles Times

time8 minutes ago

  • Los Angeles Times

Unlike at Columbia, Trump's attack on UCLA is aimed at taxpayer money

President Trump's demand for a whopping $1-billion payment from UCLA sent shock waves through the UC system. For those of us on the inside, the announcement elicited a range of responses. Some faculty and staff reacted with horror, others voiced increasing fear about the ongoing assault on academic freedom, and some merely muttered in sad resignation to the new reality. I laughed. The president has decided to poke the bear — and the Bears and the Bruins, too. Whether Trump knows it or not, targeting the University of California is very different from going after private Ivy League institutions with deep historical ties to political power. Pressuring UC to pay a large sum has another dimension entirely: It's going after state tax dollars paid by the people of California. This should matter to folks on the left and the right, to those who venerate higher education and those who vote in favor of states' rights against federal overreach. Californians across the political spectrum should repurpose one of Trump's own slogans: 'Stop the steal.' Unlike Columbia and Brown, which have paid off the Trump administration, UC is a public institution. That means, as new UC President James Milliken said, 'we are stewards of taxpayer resources.' UC must answer to the people, not just to boards of trustees or senior administrators. Indeed, as a professor at UC Santa Barbara, I consider myself to be employed by my fellow Californians. My job is to contribute to the fundamental mission laid out in the state's 'Master Plan': to create new knowledge and educate the people of California. I take my responsibility even more seriously because I am also a product of UC; I earned my PhD at Berkeley and remain a proud Golden Bear. I am fully aware of what a positive effect a UC education can have on students and Californians everywhere. A $1-billion payment to the federal government would have huge consequences — not only on the people's university but also on the general welfare of our state, the world's fourth-largest economy. UC is the second-largest employer in the state. We generate $82 billion in economic activity every year. More than 84% of our students come from California, and their degrees are proven to increase their lifetime earning potential. UC health centers treat millions of people every year, providing essential medical care. According to one striking study, 'The economic output generated by UC-related spending is $4.4 billion larger than the economic output of the entire state of Wyoming and $16.1 billion larger than that of Vermont.' We accomplish that in large part with the people's money. For every dollar the state invests in us, we generate $21 of economic activity for the state. All of that activity generates $12 billion in tax revenue. We're a great engine of growth. You'd think a self-proclaimed genius and 'self-made' business tycoon would know a good deal when he sees one. To be sure, the supposed bases for demanding the extraordinary payment — antisemitism and civil rights abuses — are very serious. College students should expect to confront new ideas they may disagree with, but no one should be targeted for their beliefs. Full stop. But there are more effective remedies for addressing any failures, as have already been pursued at UCLA. For Trump, though, the accusations are the pretext for punishing institutions that he doesn't like and, as the Associated Press reports, rebuking political opponents such as Gov. Gavin Newsom. They are not reflective of a genuine concern for student rights. Many of us have already sounded the alarm about the increasing financial challenges the UC system faces. Even last year, we had reached a critical breaking point — and that was before losing federal grant money. But we haven't given up and neither should the people. We all must fight back against this attempted seizure of taxpayer funds. It's not enough to leave the task to political leaders; the people themselves must send the message. Californians can continue to resist federal incursions by making it clear to the UC Board of Regents, elected representatives and everyone else that Californians will not tolerate a federal pressure campaign to take our state's resources. There are many reasons to be alarmed by Trump's broader attack on higher education. But this time, Trump has crossed the public-private boundary and set his sights on state taxpayers' money. Because we fund it, UC and everything it produces belongs to us. That means we all — no matter where we fall on the political spectrum — must stop the steal. Giuliana Perrone, an associate professor of history at UC Santa Barbara, is the author of 'Nothing More than Freedom: The Failure of Abolition in American Law.'

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store