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.

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.

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."

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.

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.