What did Donald Trump do today?
He took credit for a decision Ford Motor Company made without him, and criticized General Motors for something they don't really do.
In a tweet, Trump cited a Fox Business report saying that Ford would "scrap [its] Mexico plant [and] invest in Michigan due to Trump policies." In fact, Ford made clear that economic considerations were behind its decision to cancel its planned Ford Focus plant in San Luis Potosi, Mexico--and instead move the production of the Focus from Detroit to Hermosillo, Mexico.
The company was, however, careful to express optimism about the Trump administration--perhaps mindful of the damage done when Trump falsely claimed in September that the company was moving its small car division to Mexico. Conservatives have criticized Trump for his enthusiasm for attacking or boosting individual companies, calling it a violation of free market principles to have the government picking sides.
Later in the day, Trump blasted General Motors for selling Mexican-made Chevy Cruzes in the United States. Almost all Chevy Cruzes--97.6%--made for American consumption are sedans made in Lordstown, Ohio.
The company was, however, careful to express optimism about the Trump administration--perhaps mindful of the damage done when Trump falsely claimed in September that the company was moving its small car division to Mexico. Conservatives have criticized Trump for his enthusiasm for attacking or boosting individual companies, calling it a violation of free market principles to have the government picking sides.
Later in the day, Trump blasted General Motors for selling Mexican-made Chevy Cruzes in the United States. Almost all Chevy Cruzes--97.6%--made for American consumption are sedans made in Lordstown, Ohio.
How is this a bad thing?
- It's wrong to take credit for things you didn't do.
- Presidents should not attack major U.S. companies with statements that are only 2.4% true.
- It's bad if trade policy is determined by which company can most effectively flatter a president.