Allies of former President Donald Trump in Michigan have voiced their concerns about Vice President Kamala Harris' stance on auto manufacturing ahead of her Labor Day visit to Detroit. The focus of their criticism is on the Biden-Harris administration's policies aimed at increasing the production of electric vehicles in the United States.
Representative Lisa McClain and Representative John James, both from Michigan, argue that the push for electric vehicles is unrealistic and could lead to job losses in the auto industry. They claim that there is currently insufficient demand for electric cars and that the shift to EVs would result in fewer jobs due to the reduced number of parts required.
James described the EV mandates as being detached from reality, citing concerns about the country's readiness in terms of critical infrastructure, charging infrastructure, and affordability. While acknowledging the potential benefits of electric vehicles, he believes that the current plan lacks thorough consideration.
Former President Trump also weighed in on the issue during an economic event in Michigan, expressing his support for electric cars but questioning their functionality and cost-effectiveness in the US. He criticized Harris and Democrats for allegedly pushing for an immediate transition to all-electric vehicles, citing concerns about the country's electricity supply.
In response to these claims, the Harris campaign issued a fact check clarifying that their goal is to have electric vehicles account for half of all new vehicle sales by 2030, rather than mandating all-electric cars. The campaign emphasized the importance of transitioning towards cleaner transportation options while addressing the challenges associated with EV adoption.