General Motors is walking a fine line with President Donald Trump’s administration, publicly praising his support for American manufacturing while quietly lobbying to preserve electric vehicle (EV) mandates and subsidies initiated under former President Joe Biden. The automaker, led by CEO Mary Barra, has been simultaneously touting domestic investment and importing millions of foreign-made vehicles.
Despite being headquartered in Detroit, GM imported 1.23 million vehicles into the U.S. in 2024—nearly half of its domestic sales—making it the top importer among automakers, including Toyota. GM also remains the largest vehicle producer in Mexico, increasing its production there by 23 percent year-over-year.
At a recent Wall Street Journal conference, Barra backed some of Trump’s tariff policies, noting the company’s intent to leverage available U.S. manufacturing capacity to avoid higher import duties. Internally, GM executives say the company supports fairer trade rules that benefit American exports.
Meanwhile, GM has increased lobbying efforts to preserve Biden-era EV tax credits. The company spent over $8 million in the first quarter of 2025 lobbying lawmakers—more than double its spending from late 2024. GM’s political push includes efforts to embed EV subsidies in Trump’s proposed spending legislation, the “Big, Beautiful Bill.”
President Trump has consistently opposed federal mandates that force consumers toward EVs. Earlier this month, he signed legislation repealing California’s strict emission standards, which aimed to phase out gas-powered cars. Trump called the standards a “horrible scheme” and vowed to defend the internal combustion engine, which remains the vehicle of choice for most Americans.
While GM has committed to transitioning to an all-electric lineup by 2035, its $4 billion investment announced this month includes continued support for gas-powered vehicle production. These funds will boost operations in Michigan, Kansas, and Tennessee—locations also tied to previous union agreements.
Barra has acknowledged past missteps with the Trump administration, particularly after closing plants in key swing states during Trump’s first term. This cycle, she has sought to reset the relationship, praising the president’s understanding of the auto industry’s challenges and expressing gratitude for his engagement.
As GM attempts to secure its EV future while aligning with Trump’s America First manufacturing policies, it faces growing scrutiny from conservative leaders wary of federal overreach and taxpayer-funded subsidies.
