by US President Donald Trump will visit Ford’s headquarters and manufacturing complex in Dearborn, Michigan, on January 13. This visit will take place with the participation of Ford CEO Jim Farley and will be an opportunity for the presidential administration to highlight its ties with the American automotive industry.
Visit Details and Participants
According to Ford representatives, this visit was initiated by the White House. Along with President Trump, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent will also be at the plant. The tour for the distinguished guests will be conducted by CEO Jim Farley, Executive Chairman Bill Ford, and the manager of the Dearborn truck plant, Corey Williams. During the tour, participants will view the production lines where F-150 and F-150 Raptor pickups are assembled.
Ford has a rich history of hosting US presidents at its facilities, and this visit continues a tradition that is over 50 years old. The automaker clearly aims to remind the current administration of its role in supporting American manufacturing jobs and keeping production within the country.
Ford’s Position on Regulations
In early December, Jim Farley already met with President Trump at the White House. During that meeting, he openly supported the Trump administration’s decision to weaken federal fuel economy standards, calling this step “a victory for affordability and common sense.”
We were forced to sell electric and other vehicles. We are not going back to ‘gas guzzlers.’ Ford has many electric and hybrid vehicles, but now customers get the opportunity to choose what they want, not what we impose on them.
According to Farley, the old CAFE standards did not match consumer demand and complicated the development and sale of affordable vehicles. He added that automakers were forced to sell electric and other low-emission vehicles to comply with requirements, even if buyers did not want to purchase them.
National Production and Recognition
During the visit, Ford will undoubtedly emphasize the fact that over 80 percent of the vehicles the company sells in the United States are assembled locally. This is an important argument in the dialogue with an administration that emphasizes “America First.”
Interestingly, at the beginning of the month, TIME magazine named Ford America’s most iconic company, surpassing giants like Apple, Coca-Cola, Walmart, Amazon, McDonald’s, and General Motors. This recognition only amplifies the symbolic significance of the upcoming meeting.
This visit takes place in the context of ongoing discussions about the future of the automotive industry, environmental regulations, and the balance between innovation and affordability. Ford’s position, which simultaneously invests in electric vehicles and defends consumer choice, reflects the complex challenges facing traditional manufacturers. On one hand, the company demonstrates loyalty to the administration and its policies; on the other, it tries to maintain the image of a progressive brand capable of adapting to various market development scenarios. The success of this strategy will depend on whether Ford can effectively manage its production capacities in Dearborn and other regions, satisfying both political expectations and the real needs of the market.
