TACO's infamous Japan deal betrays American carmakers, Brunswick Beacon

Brunswick Beacon, 08.07.25

Trump famously said, “trade wars are easy to win.” In April, he promised “90 deals in 90 days.’’ In May he claimed, “I’ve made 200 deals,” but couldn’t name any. Three months after launching what economists called his “incredibly stupid” trade war, he had just one deal to show for it. His on-again-off-again tariffs produced only uncertainty and the well-earned nickname “TACO,” for “Trump Always Chickens Out.” Look out friend, he did it again. 

TACO chickened out on the 25% tariff he announced in March on Japanese cars and car parts, slashing it to 15% after Japan said it would consider building more cars here. 

That’s devastating news for American car makers, who will still be forced to pay the 25% tariff on imported car parts, which make up 40% of so-called “American-made” cars. Before Elon Musk said Trump is in the Epstein f iles, and accused Trump of a coverup, TACO bragged that Tesla’s are made here. He didn’t mention that 25% of their parts come from Mexico. 

Auto industry analyst Spencer Hakimian said, “We’ve given a Japanese car company an advantage over American car companies. All in hope of bringing auto jobs back to America.” TACO helped Toyota stock soar 13%. “Why? It’s simple,” said Hakimian. “American manufacturers are going to be paying 50% more for steel, 50% more for copper. Toyota only has to pay 15% more.” 

The American Automotive Policy Council, which represents GM, Ford and Stellantis, said TACO’s surrender to Japan is a “bad deal for U.S. industry and U.S. auto workers.” That’s on top of the damage he’s already done. GM says TACO’s trade war cost it $1 billion. Stellantis, which makes Chrysler, Jeep, and Dodge, said it’s lost $2.7 billion because of TACO’s tariffs. 

Desperate to divert attention because he’s named in notorious pedophile pal Jeffrey Epstein’s files, TACO betrayed American carmakers by making a deal that will “live in infamy.” 

Larry Widman

Leland