Former President Donald Trump recently addressed a media uproar over his comments during a rally in Dayton, Ohio, where he discussed China’s plans to establish car manufacturing plants in Mexico. Trump warned of imposing tariffs on cars imported from these plants if reelected in 2024.

He remarked that if he isn’t elected, it would be detrimental to the auto industry and the country as a whole, referring to it as a “bloodbath.”

Media outlets portrayed Trump’s words as a threat of political violence, prompting him to accuse them of distorting his message. He clarified that he was criticizing policies allowing car imports from China-controlled plants in Mexico, not advocating violence.

Trump reiterated his opposition to President Biden‘s electric vehicle (EV) mandate, arguing it would favor China’s EV production while hurting the American auto industry. He emphasized the importance of maintaining alternatives to EVs and criticized the costs and limited range associated with them.

During tense negotiations between auto workers and major automakers, Trump urged the union to demand the repeal of Biden’s EV mandate to protect American jobs.

He warned that failing to do so would lead to the demise of the U.S. auto industry and the loss of jobs to China.

President Biden’s administration aims to make half of all new vehicles sold in the U.S. hybrid or fully electric by 2030. Progress on building EV charging infrastructure has been slow, with only a few states opening new charging stations funded by federal programs.

Trump’s comments reflect ongoing debates over government mandates, personal choice in vehicle purchases, and the future of the American auto industry.