Auto Union Boss Is Sucking Up To Trump On Tariffs. It’s Going To Backfire.

Summary

Bulwark Takes Episode Summary: "Auto Union Boss Is Sucking Up To Trump On Tariffs. It’s Going To Backfire."

Release Date: March 27, 2025

In this incisive episode of "Bulwark Takes," hosts Tim Miller and Andrew Egger examine the recent strategic maneuvers of Sean Fain, the head of the United Auto Workers (UAW), as he publicly supports former President Donald Trump's tariff policies. The discussion delves into the motivations behind Fain's endorsement, the ensuing economic repercussions, and the broader political implications that suggest this alliance may ultimately backfire.

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1. Introduction to the Issue

The episode kicks off with Tim Miller and Andrew Egger introducing the central topic: Sean Fain's unexpected support for Trump's tariffs on the auto industry. This alignment raises questions about the intersection of labor leadership and protectionist economic policies.

2. Sean Fain’s Endorsement of Trump’s Tariffs

A pivotal moment occurs when Andrew Egger plays a clip of Sean Fain speaking on ABC, highlighting his support for Trump's tariff strategy (01:21):

Sean Fain: "Tariffs are an attempt to stop the bleeding from the hemorrhaging of jobs in America for the last 33 years. That's one thing Donald Trump has done."

Fain emphasizes that tariffs are crucial for halting job losses and reviving the manufacturing sector, framing them as necessary interventions to correct longstanding economic issues.

3. Analyzing Fain’s Motivations

Tim Miller offers context on Fain's political maneuvers (02:15):

Tim Miller: "Sean Fain really leaned in on the Democratic side of the ticket during the last presidential election...he is needing to kind of like scurry extra hard if he wants to get back in Trump's good books."

Miller suggests that Fain's support may be a tactical move to align with Trump's base, aiming to secure favorable outcomes for UAW members by maintaining a positive relationship with Trump.

4. Economic Consequences of the Tariffs

The hosts delve into the tangible impacts of the tariffs, particularly focusing on recent layoffs at Cleveland Cliffs Dearborn Works, a major steel supplier to the auto industry. Andrew Egger outlines the situation (05:15):

Andrew Egger: "Increase in price is going to lead to a decrease in demand... It's pretty clear there's been a lot of evidence that Trump tariff threats and the actual tariffs have had certain repercussions in certain industries."

Higher steel costs due to tariffs have led to reduced demand and operational slowdowns, directly affecting employment and production within the auto sector.

5. The Inefficiency and Risks of Tariffs

Tim Miller provides a critical analysis of tariff policies (06:54):

Tim Miller: "Tariffs are always going to create a certain amount of economic chaos and they're always going to create a certain amount of economic inefficiency... he's just going to slap on more and more tariffs."

Miller argues that tariffs introduce economic distortions and inefficiencies, leading to a cycle of increasing protectionism that exacerbates market instability and harms broader economic interests.

6. UAW’s Formal Support for Tariffs

Jessica Burbank is quoted, underscoring the UAW's official stance (10:09):

Jessica Burbank: "The UAW... is now officially supporting tariffs as a powerful tool to undo injustice of anti-worker trade deals."

This official endorsement signifies the UAW's commitment to using tariffs as a strategic tool to protect American labor against perceived unfair trade practices.

7. Political Implications and Future Prospects

The conversation shifts to the political ramifications of the UAW's support for tariffs. Tim Miller speculates on Sean Fain's future political aspirations and the potential backlash (13:51):

Tim Miller: "I can imagine him getting up two, four years from now... trying to stick up for a new group of my people... it's still gross."

Miller expresses skepticism about Fain's long-term strategies, suggesting that his alignment with Trump's policies may alienate broader constituencies and hinder his political viability.

8. Conclusion: The Backfiring of Tariff Support

Andrew Egger concludes with a critical perspective on the UAW's endorsement of tariffs (15:35):

Andrew Egger: "It's all smoke and mirrors, it's all fake and there's gonna be real consequences to it."

The hosts collectively warn that the short-term gains sought through tariff support may lead to long-term economic and political repercussions, potentially undermining the very workforce the UAW aims to protect.

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Notable Quotes:

• Sean Fain (01:21): "Tariffs are an attempt to stop the bleeding from the hemorrhaging of jobs in America for the last 33 years."

• Tim Miller (06:54): "Tariffs are always going to create a certain amount of economic chaos and they're always going to create a certain amount of economic inefficiency."

• Jessica Burbank (10:09): "The UAW... is now officially supporting tariffs as a powerful tool to undo injustice of anti-worker trade deals."

• Andrew Egger (15:35): "It's all smoke and mirrors, it's all fake and there's gonna be real consequences to it."

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Timestamp References:

• 01:21: Sean Fain's ABC interview praising tariffs.
• 02:15: Tim Miller discusses Fain's political alignment.
• 05:15: Andrew Egger explains the impact of tariffs on layoffs.
• 06:54: Tim Miller analyzes the inefficiency of tariffs.
• 10:09: Jessica Burbank's statement on UAW supporting tariffs.
• 13:51: Tim Miller speculates on Fain's political future.
• 15:35: Andrew Egger concludes the discussion on tariff consequences.

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This episode of "Bulwark Takes" offers a comprehensive examination of the complex dynamics between labor leadership and protectionist economic policies. By dissecting Sean Fain's support for Trump's tariffs, Tim Miller and Andrew Egger shed light on the potential economic pitfalls and political fallout that may arise from such alliances, providing listeners with a nuanced understanding of current labor and economic strategies.

Transcript

[Ryan Seacrest]

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[Tim Miller]

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[Andrew Egger]

Hey guys, Tim Miller from the Bulwark here with my buddy Andrew Egger who writes our Morning Shots newsletter. You can get [e-mail] we wanted to talk about the latest fuck around and find out of the Trump era. This time it's Union Boss edition. Sean Fain gained some popularity on the populist left. UAW head was out over the weekend praising the Trump tariffs, particularly auto tariffs. And then last night, Trump announced a huge increase in auto tariffs. And then this morning we hear some news that one such auto company is firing some workers. So we'll get to discuss the extent of the connection there. But first, Andrew, why don't I play you just Sean Fain talking about the Trump tariffs on ABC over the weekend.

[Sean Fain]

You know, there is no single issue in this country that has affected our economy and working class people and their jobs than nafta, the USMCA and our trade laws, our broken trade system. And we're in a crisis mode. And, you know, we are triaging right now. So I hear this debate about, you know, blanket tariffs and all this stuff. But look, we're in a triage situation. Tariffs are an attempt to stop the bleeding from the hemorrhaging of jobs in America for the last 33 years. That's one thing Donald Trump has done. He's acknowledged the USMCA didn't go far enough and so there's an urgency now to fix this problem.

[Andrew Egger]

So here's my thing, Edgar. You know, you could in theory before the tariffs. I'm not, but you could be for tariffs. But it did feel like he thought that he needed to do the Trump suck up routine a little bit there. And I don't really, I think I have some theories. But what do you make of it?

[Tim Miller]

Yeah, I mean, there's a couple things, right? I mean, perhaps the most pertinent bit of context here is that Sean Fain really leaned in on the Democratic side of the ticket. During the last presidential election, he spoke at the dnc. Trump is a scab. You know, vote Harris T shirt on stage, you know, in primetime, beaming out to a bunch of people. That's the kind of thing that a guy like President Trump remembers. You know, he shot a particular shot and now he is needing to kind of like scurry extra hard if he wants to get back in Trump's good books, which obviously he wants to do. Obviously. The other thing here is just that.

[Andrew Egger]

You know, why does he want to do that? I mean, I guess just, you know, I'm a little older than you, Edgar, so I have memories of the Bush era. Union leaders being hostile in hostile relationships with Republican presidents or governors is not a new thing. I mean, Scott Walker, I don't. You know, these guys never like, seem like the types to cower before. This is just kind of the pre surrender because they're afraid Trump will punish them personally.

[Tim Miller]

Well, there's a couple things, right? I mean, like, historically, Republicans have been pretty ideologically free market and therefore anti tariff, anti protectionism, not particularly concerned about whether free market economies and the prospering of the overall US Economy might have to mean a new, increased, further shrinking in US Manufacturing, US Auto manufacturing, stuff like that. So there's basically two things to it. One is that Trump is a lot wishier, washier on the substance here, right? Like, sometimes he talks like a total protectionist, sometimes he talks like a total union guy. Sometimes he, he is totally sympathetic with the bosses, right? So, so there's the perception that he is changeable and malleable. And then there is also the correct perception that what he really cares about is the personal stuff. What he really cares about is whether you get on TV and butter him up or get on TV and thumb your nose at him, right? So if you're Sean Vain, you know, dealing with George W. Bush or something like that, it almost doesn't matter. Of course he's gonna oppose the policies that you want in certain respects. And it's not like you're making him any more, less likely to do that by buttering him up or being unkind to him on the boob tube. Trump is exactly the opposite, right? Trump could kind of go a lot of ways on a lot of these things. And there's basically no quicker, better way to get to his heart than appearing on a show that he's watching. Because he TV is all in Trump's mind. And look, I mean, like Sean Fane, his goal, his prerogative in his role is not like stewarding the broader American economy. Right. I mean he wants to see a thumb put on the scale in favor of us autoworkers, in favor of people who are manufacturing. And I guess he has assessed that one way to do that is these massive protectionist tariffs. I don't know if that's accurate. I don't know if that's actually true. That's going to redound to the benefit of the autoworker. I know you want to talk a little bit about that, but. But I guess that's kind of the calculation he's making right now.

[Andrew Egger]

Yeah, I think it's untrue. And so we're gonna get to the news item here and then I have some theories on the politics of this too. But so what I alluded to at the top, United Auto Workers leaders, that's Fain is the head of the uaw, say they were blindsided by the announcement of layoffs at the Cleveland Cliffs Dearborn Works, a plant that supplies steel for the auto industry. It's the largest steel provider to the auto industry. The steel tariffs on Canada had already been put in place. Now we added another round of auto tariffs this week. It is worth noting that those that the steel tariffs led to a spike in price and cost for components and materials. You know, this is some just basic economics for folks. Increase in price is going to lead to a decrease in demand. It's going to slow down the demand for factory operations. Is there a one to one correlation here TBD on all the details of that. But it's pretty clear at this point and there's been a lot of evidence that Trump tariff threats, the Trump tariff show, the actual tariffs that have been put in place have had certain repercussions in certain industries. And the largest steel provider to the auto industry would be one, at least in the short term. Now maybe the Sean fanes of the world would say, well you know, we're going to start making all the steel here now and we're going to bring steel plants back to Pittsburgh like okay, maybe in like 2034. And it takes a long time to build a new fucking steel plant. So to me, I think there's a pretty clear correlation here. But what say you, free market Andrew?

[Tim Miller]

Right? I mean, look, look, I mean, yeah, free market Andrew. That's, that's me. Right? The bottom line here is that tariffs are always going to create a certain amount of economic chaos and they're always going to create a certain amount of economic inefficiency. Right. You're trying to pursue a specific benefit and you're going to bake in the fact that there are going to be costs that outweigh that benefit. But what you hope, if you are a tariffs guy, is that those costs are kind of diffuse enough that the market can kind of just absorb them and that it doesn't really hurt people and that. And that the benefit, while smaller, economically smaller in terms of raw numbers, is targeted in a way that is useful, politically useful for a constituency that you support, or just useful. There's a moral case. These people have been. The economy's been kicking manufacturers in the nuts for too long, and we're going to throw them a bone or whatever. The problem here for Trump is that he does not see things that way. He does not see tariffs as, like, you know, introducing inefficiencies in order to achieve a targeted result. He just sees them as pure upside. And so, like, it's always his move. He's just going to slap on more and more and more. Like, he sees a problem, we'll throw a tariff on it. He sees a problem, throw a tariff on it, and it spirals. Right? Because you create some problems with your first tariff. Then you address those problems. You're like, well, we'll just put a tariff on that one, too, and then that creates further problems downstream. Well, you know, my favorite thing to address that kind of problem, that's a tariff. And it's just, eventually the whole thing just collapses under the weight of its own contradictions. Right. Just in terms of massively higher prices for everybody on a bunch of things people want to buy until he yanks them off. So we're right in the middle of this vicious cycle. It's not clear how we get off of it. And, yeah, and he really only has the one thing in his toolkit to address any of this stuff.

[Andrew Egger]

All right, I've teased everybody. Here's my unifying theory of all this and why these union guys have just totally, just kicked themselves in the nuts here. I think you're correct that Fain feels like the need that he needs to performatively suck up to Trump, because whatever, that's the conventional wisdom. He thinks he can get something out of Trump that way. Okay. I think there's another factor at play, though. A lot of his members were for Trump. A lot of these union guys are for Trump. They were for Trump mostly for cultural reasons and cultural shift in the country. Some of them were there for economic reasons. They feel like Trump cared about them more than the Democrats did or whatever. They felt like Trump was gonna. Right the wrongs of the past and you know, bring back the glory days or whatever. But even again, that's kind of cultural in a sense. And so they've bought in to the idea that Trump does have some like magical power as a businessman to like help them economically and that Trump's agenda, Trump's tariff agenda must be good. And so Fain has to find a way to like keep his members happy. Right? And to go along with some Trump thing. It's not gonna be the mass deportations, you know, and so like you kind of sell yourself. Okay, well let's see. This is what the guys wanted. So what the guys wanted. Trump. Trump's gonna, you know, bring manufacturing back. The tariffs are part of it. We're gonna go along here, let's, here, let's play a little clip of from another news item.

[Jessica Burbank]

The uaw, which represents workers at the Tonawanda gm, Propulsion Head, Hamburg, Ford Stamping and Lockport GM plants, is now officially supporting tariffs as a powerful tool to undo injustice of anti worker trade deals. And they are glad to see an American president be aggressive to end a free trade disaster. Drop like a bomb on the working class.

[Andrew Egger]

Okay, once again, like here are these union guys like saying that, oh, the Trump, Trump tariffs are an important part of the agenda of the economic plan to bring back jobs here. But here's the thing. Trump doesn't have a fucking plan to bring back jobs. There is no plan. It's all smoke and mirrors, it's all fake and they've all bought into the snake oil and there's gonna be real consequences to it. So I'm not happy about it. I'm not gleeful that people that are gonna lose their jobs, some people might have lost their jobs anyway. There's some of these jobs that in the globalized world just aren't probably going to be happening in America regardless. That's like unfortunate. That's just the nature of economic stuff. Like there aren't as many people, aren't as many horse jockeys as there used to be, you know, because we don't have as many, we don't, we don't use horses nearly as much. Like that sucks. But anyway, Andrew, what do you make of that? What do you think you make of the bottom up argument?

[Tim Miller]

Yeah, well, I mean, there's obviously something to that. There's been something to that for a while. You know, there was already something to that when Sean Fain was appearing on stage at the DNC and making his argument basically to his members, like, look, Trump has had an opportunity to do this before he was president, before the auto manufacturing industry didn't come roaring back under Trump 1.0. Right now it's a little complicated because in some respects he was making like a Trump is a crypto free marketer critique at that point in time. He was going after the fact that Trump let them keep making a bunch of. A bunch of cars down in Mexico and stuff like that and didn't. Didn't work harder to snarl those economic lines and make that more costly for everybody involved. And so now I don't think it has to be all that complicated from the point of view of this particular guy where he's like, look, this is a policy that is targeted to protect my particular sector, right? It's car manufacturers. They are the one group who disproportionately stand to benefit from auto tariffs, auto import tariffs, right? Like, in theory, this is one thing that is going to keep us from kind of long, slow slide into basically obsolescence as an industry. And basically then he's just hoping that it will kind of stop there, right. Like there will not be additional tariffs later, that they are the ones left holding the bag for or, you know, different kinds of economic policies that are. Or just rising prices that kind of swamp these, swamp the wage increases or whatever for these, for these guys. I mean, it's. He's basically making a bet that ultimately, yeah, there's going to be more inefficiency, there's going to be more chaos, there's going to be worse economic outcomes for most people, but maybe it will shake out such that the people that I in particular am responsible for, these autoworkers, will come out ahead. And I think that's. I mean, you're right about all that other stuff being in the background, but as far as this particular policy, I think it's as simple as that.

[Andrew Egger]

Yeah, makes sense. All right. Last thing on the politics of this, we had on the FY pod, my Gen Z pod, we had on a real leftist at the Bulwark. We get some complaints. We don't have real leftists on Bernie types. Jessica Burbank thought she was great. Misguided in some policies, but thought she was great. And so people can go watch that if they want. But I thought it was interesting she floated Fain as the type of leader that she would like for the future of the Democratic Party.

[Dan Osborne]

If I could just like, pick out of anyone, it would be, you know, someone like Sean Fain, someone like Dan Osborne, someone who's not afraid to stand up to Corporate power with a real understanding of labor in America. Aoc, you know, she has a lot of the populist ideas and, but she has an appeal with liberals. So I think that's fine. But I don't see her as someone who like fundamentally understands what it's like to grow up very working class in America. Right. She kind of sells as that. But she went to one of the best high schools in the country. You know, she was in the Hudson Valley. She wasn't in the Bronx and Queens her whole life. And so I think we need someone who understands like the real rough realities of America.

[Andrew Egger]

If Sean Fain had a, had had a larger, larger aspirations which, which some people have floated him for as having, as being a future Democratic leader like this, this feels like not something that's.

[Tim Miller]

Yeah, I will be interested to see where that goes because I can imagine him getting up two, four years from now and basically making the case like, yeah, first of all, if he's even questioned about the specifics of how he is, how he was dealing with Trump very early on. Yeah, I stuck up for my people because that was my job and it was the right thing to do. And now I'm trying to stick up for a new group of my people, which is all of you Democrats or Americans or people in my state or things like that. I can see him making that kind of pivotal. I. It's gross like it's, it's, it's gross like it's still gross. It leaves a bad taste in my mouth and it leaves a bad taste in your mouth. I, I guess I'm not necessarily sold on the notion that it's like going to, going to absolutely like redound to the harm of his, his future prospects.

[Andrew Egger]

All right, homie, we'll see. Tbd. Sean Fain. I don't know think it was, I think it was a thumbs down. Thumbs down for me to Sean Fain. That's Andrego to Miller. We'll see you soon. Peace.

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[Tim Miller]

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