Three Democratic senators have called on Donald Trump to prevent Chinese automakers from building vehicles in the United States and to block Chinese-made cars assembled in North America from entering the U.S. market.
The lawmakers Chuck Schumer, Tammy Baldwin, and Elissa Slotkin warned that allowing Chinese car companies to operate in the U.S. could threaten both the domestic auto industry and national security.
In a letter to the president, they argued that permitting Chinese firms to establish factories in the U.S. would give them an “insurmountable economic advantage” over American automakers and could pose long-term security risks.
Their appeal follows earlier remarks by Trump indicating openness to Chinese manufacturers setting up production plants in the U.S., particularly if it creates jobs. However, the White House responded that national security would not be compromised in pursuit of investment.
The issue builds on existing restrictions. In 2025, the U.S. imposed sweeping regulations effectively barring Chinese passenger vehicles, citing concerns over data security and the potential for sensitive information collection. Tariffs on Chinese cars are already around 100%.
U.S. auto industry groups have also backed tighter restrictions. Recently, major automakers urged the administration to keep Chinese competitors out of the market ahead of a planned summit between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Meanwhile, China has pushed back, accusing the United States of trade protectionism and discriminatory policies aimed at blocking Chinese-made vehicles.
The senators further called for scrutiny of companies such as BYD, suggesting they should be classified as military-linked entities due to alleged ties to Beijing.
These highlights rising tensions between the world’s two largest economies, with trade, technology, and national security increasingly intertwined especially in the rapidly evolving global automotive industry.
