Washington, June 24: President Donald Trump has defended his tariff-based trade policies during a visit to a truck manufacturing facility in Pennsylvania. Speaking to employees at Mack Trucks, he asserted that import duties are revitalizing American industry and encouraging companies to establish factories in the U.S.
At the Mack Trucks facility in Macungie, Pennsylvania, Trump stated that tariffs on imported vehicles, steel, aluminum, and other products have helped reverse decades of manufacturing decline and attract new investments to the country.
He remarked, “For decades, workers in this state have seen how globalist leaders allowed other countries to take advantage of you, close your factories, and move your jobs overseas. But finally, you have a president who puts workers’ interests, Pennsylvania, and America first.”
Trump emphasized that tariffs are a cornerstone of his economic strategy. He noted, “I imposed a 50 percent tariff on foreign copper, aluminum, and steel to prevent them from taking your jobs.” He also mentioned the duties on imported vehicles and heavy trucks, stating, “As you know, I imposed a 25 percent tariff on foreign vehicles, and importantly, I also applied a 25 percent tariff on medium and heavy-duty trucks, so Mack Trucks can perform well through its facility in Pennsylvania.”
He argued that manufacturers seeking to avoid tariffs are rapidly shifting production back to the U.S. “Currently, our country is seeing three times more factories being built than before, including car factories, AI factories, and all kinds of manufacturing plants,” he said.
“How to avoid tariffs? Build your factory right here and employ American workers,” the president added, noting that this strategy helps reduce trade imbalances and increase exports. Within a year of taking office, he claimed to have achieved the largest reduction in trade deficits with China in history.
Trump further stated, “American exports have increased by $150 billion. We have recorded the largest reduction in trade deficits in our country’s history.”
This speech was delivered at Mack Trucks, one of the most renowned heavy-duty truck manufacturers in the U.S. Trump repeatedly praised the company and its employees, calling the factory a symbol of American manufacturing strength.
He concluded, “Soon, all the roads in America will be filled with American trucks.”
Patrick McHugh, a Marine Corps veteran and third-generation employee at Mack Trucks, shared with attendees that the company is committed to domestic manufacturing.
McHugh stated, “At Mack Trucks, we work hard to build trucks that contribute to America’s progress, and we take pride in the fact that these trucks are made right here in the United States.”
Trump also highlighted several investment announcements in Pennsylvania, including projects from pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly, telecommunications giant Nokia, and medical technology firm B. Braun. He noted that such investments reflect growing confidence in the U.S. economy and manufacturing sector.
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