President Donald Trump said on Saturday night he plans to scrap former President Joe Biden’s fuel economy standards meant to incentivize electric vehicle adoption, framing it as a “BIG DAY” for both workers and consumers.
“I have just approved new Fuel Economy Standards that TERMINATE Sleepy Joe Biden and [former Transportation Secretary] Pete Boot-Edge-Edge’s ridiculous EV Mandate,” he said. “The Dumocrats cost our Great Auto Manufacturers $Billions, forced Americans into cars they never wanted, and wasted Billions on Chargers that were never built.”
Trump was referring to 2024 standards set by Biden’s EPA that required auto manufacturers to meet stricter fuel-efficiency requirements to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, thereby incentivizing a nationwide transition toward electric vehicles.
“These new Standards will take the waste out of building cars in America,” he said. “That means LOWER PRICES, saving families thousands on a new, beautiful, and safe car — Far better than the Environmental Monsters that we were building heretofore. Every Manufacturer, from General Motors to Ford to Stellantis, has called me wanting to build here, and now they can!”
Trump touted the decision as the latest example of his administration’s emphasis on bringing manufacturing jobs back to Midwest cities such as Detroit. Stubborn inflation has plagued Trump’s second term and cast doubt on Republican candidates’ ability to distance themselves from the “affordability crisis” in November’s midterm elections, underscoring the importance of a strong job market.
“The Plants are coming back, and Jobs are returning, to Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, South Carolina, and all over our Country,” Trump said in the announcement. “Thank you to our Great Secretaries of Transportation and Commerce, Sean Duffy and Howard Lutnick.”
TRUMP TAKES AIM AT DEI AND NONCITIZEN PROGRAMS IN $1 BILLION POCKET RESCISSION
Duffy said on social media the rule will be released on Monday, calling it a “major victory for America’s auto workers.” Sen. Bernie Moreno (R-OH) framed it as an affordability win, saying it’s a massive “victory for US consumers who paid a heavy price for Biden’s failed policies.”
Trump campaigned heavily against the so-called “EV mandate” during the 2024 presidential election. Mere hours after being sworn in for his second term, he signed an executive order to “keep my sacred pledge to our great American autoworkers” and undo the policy.