President Trump won support from lifelong Democratic autoworker James Benson during Thursday’s “Big, Beautiful Bill” event at the White House. Benson, a third-generation Ford employee from Belleville, Michigan, worked at the company for over 26 years—until the announcement of Trump’s new vehicle loan interest tax deduction, he said he was a lifelong Democrat.
At the event, Trump placed Benson behind him on stage as he detailed the tax proposal. The policy fully deducts interest on car loans for American-made vehicles, with up to $10,000 deductible per year. Eligibility is capped at individuals earning up to $100,000 in adjusted gross income. Critically, Trump emphasized the benefit applies only to vehicles assembled in the U.S.—“if it was made someplace else, ‘we don’t care,’” he declared.
This move aligns with Trump’s broader economic pitch: protecting domestic manufacturing and reviving American industry. The administration frames the deduction as a practical incentive to benefit auto workers, families, and U.S. factories. Benson’s high-profile backing lends real-world credibility to the plan.
The proposal is set to cover vehicles, trucks, vans, SUVs, and even motorcycles assembled for public roads. It’s intended to apply from tax years 2025 through 2028, mirroring deductions allowed for overtime pay and tips.
Trump underscored the policy’s economic impact, saying it will help “keep those Michigan auto factories roaring.” The event drew a diverse audience of delivery drivers, farmers, food workers, and auto employees—showcasing an appeal cutting across traditional party lines.
