Tuesday, August 26, 2025

Trump Tariff Strategy Sparks Surge in U.S. Manufacturing Investments.

PULSE POINTS:

What Happened: Several companies announced significant investments in American manufacturing operations due to the Trump administration’s tariff policy and efforts to boost domestic production.

👥 Who’s Involved: President Donald J. Trump, American manufacturing companies, and workers across the United States.

📍 Where & When: Investments and growth were announced by the White House on April 23.

💬 Key Quote:  “Increasing our footprint in the U.S. is important.” — Regeneron CEO Leonard Schleifer

⚠️ Impact: Increased investments have led to job creation and economic growth in various regions across the country.

IN FULL:

American manufacturing has seen a surge in investment, attributed to Trump administration efforts to strengthen the sector and promote domestic economic growth. In recent days, multiple firms have announced substantial plans to enhance their manufacturing capabilities on U.S. soil, supporting job creation nationwide. This trend aligns with a concerted strategy to reduce reliance on overseas production and increase self-sufficiency.

On April 23, the White House released a statement revealing that foreign companies are investing billions of dollars in U.S.-based manufacturing. These include Swiss drug and diagnostics company Roche, which looks to invest $50 billion into manufacturing and R&D in the U.S.

Likewise, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a major player in biotechnology, has also stated it would be investing $3 billion. The company looks to produce pharmaceuticals in North Carolina. “Increasing our footprint in the U.S. is important,” said Regeneron Chief Executive Officer Leonard Schleifer.

The administration’s policies, which include tax incentives and reductions in regulatory burdens alongside tariffs against foreign producers, are cited as pivotal in these decisions.

President Donald J. Trump has made it clear through his tariff strategies that he is determined to bring back U.S. manufacturing jobs. NVIDIA, one of the largest tech companies, also recently announced it would be investing as much as $500 billion. The money will be used to create infrastructure to support the domestic manufacture of artificial intelligence (AI) supercomputers.

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Trump Pledges Fast-Track for Nvidia’s $500 Billion Investment.

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What Happened: NVIDIA plans a substantial investment in U.S. infrastructure to create AI supercomputers.

👥 Who’s Involved: NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang, President Donald J. Trump.

📍 Where & When: Arizona and Texas, announcement made on April 14, 2025.

💬 Key Quote: “The engines of the world’s AI infrastructure are being built in the United States for the first time.” — Jensen Huang.

⚠️ Impact: Potential growth in U.S. chip manufacturing; concerns about the impact of tariffs on demand.

IN FULL:

Tech giant NVIDIA has announced a major push to manufacture artificial intelligence (AI) supercomputers in the United States, committing to a $500 billion investment. This marks the first time the company will build its AI infrastructure domestically. President Donald J. Trump responded to the announcement on Truth Social, emphasizing that necessary permits for NVIDIA and similar businesses will be expedited to support what he described as the “Golden Age of America.”

The initiative involves over a million square feet dedicated to the production and testing of NVIDIA’s specialized Blackwell chips in Arizona, alongside the assembly of AI supercomputers in Texas. This investment is expected to realize up to half a trillion dollars in AI infrastructure over the next four years.

NVIDIA’s CEO, Jensen Huang, highlighted the strategic advantage of U.S.-based manufacturing. Huang stated it allows the company to better meet the demand for AI technology while fortifying supply chains and increasing operational resilience. “The engines of the world’s AI infrastructure are being built in the United States for the first time,” Huang said.

The announcement comes amid the Trump Administration’s stance that partial tariff waivers for electronics, such as phones and computer parts, are temporary. These waivers will remain until a new, industry-specific tariff strategy is devised. Trump’s economic strategy encourages global manufacturers to relocate production to the U.S.

The move by NVIDIA  comes after President Trump announced a significant investment by South Korean auto manufacturer Hyundai last month. The company will invest $21 billion in the United States. At least $5.8 billion of which will be invested in a new steel plant in Louisiana, providing over 1,400 jobs.

President Trump’s tariff policies have brought nearly all affected countries to the negotiating table except China. The Communist-led government has instead opted for its own retaliatory tariffs.

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Trump Tariffs Spur NVIDIA to Manufacture AI Supercomputers ‘Entirely in the U.S.’

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: NVIDIA is launching U.S.-based manufacturing of AI supercomputers and Blackwell chips in Arizona and Texas, spurred by President Trump’s tariffs.

👥 Who’s Involved: NVIDIA, TSMC, Foxconn, Wistron, Amkor, SPIL, and President Donald J. Trump.

📍 Where & When: Arizona and Texas, with mass production expected to ramp up in 12-15 months, announced April 2025.

💬 Key Quote: “The engines of the world’s AI infrastructure are being built in the United States for the first time,” said NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang.

⚠️ Impact: Trump’s tariffs are driving tech giants to invest in America, boosting jobs and economic security.

IN FULL:

NVIDIA is bringing the production of its artificial intelligence (AI) supercomputers and Blackwell chips to the United States, spurred by President Donald J. Trump’s tariff policies that incentivize domestic manufacturing. The company has partnered with TSMC, Foxconn, Wistron, Amkor, and SPIL, securing over a million square feet of manufacturing space in Arizona and Texas to build and test these advanced technologies.

In Arizona, TSMC’s Phoenix plants have begun producing NVIDIA Blackwell chips, while Foxconn in Houston and Wistron in Dallas are constructing supercomputer manufacturing facilities. Mass production is slated to scale up within the next 12-15 months. NVIDIA anticipates producing up to half a trillion dollars of AI infrastructure in the U.S. over the next four years, creating hundreds of thousands of jobs and driving trillions in economic growth.

“The engines of the world’s AI infrastructure are being built in the United States for the first time,” said Jensen Huang, NVIDIA’s founder and CEO. He emphasized that adding American manufacturing strengthens supply chain resilience and meets the soaring demand for AI technology.

President Trump’s tariffs, designed to penalize offshoring and reward U.S. investment, have pushed NVIDIA to prioritize American factories. Tariffs have disrupted reliance on overseas supply chains, encouraging tech leaders to bet on American workers instead.

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Tariffs Boosted Economy in Trump’s First Term.

PULSE POINTS:

What Happened: President Donald J. Trump has announced new tariffs aimed at promoting fair trade and supporting American workers and businesses. Research shows tariffs boosted the economy in his first term.

👥 Who’s Involved: President Donald Trump, U.S. International Trade Commission, Economic Policy Institute, U.S. steel producers, American consumers.

📍 Where & When: United States, pledge made on the 2024 campaign trail and following President Trump’s inauguration.

💬 Key Quote: “Following implementation of Sec. 232 measures in 2018—and prior to the global downturn in 2020—U.S. steel output, employment, capital investment, and financial performance all improved,” the Economic Policy Institute reports.

⚠️ Impact: The tariffs resulted in reduced imports, increased domestic production, job creation, and investments in new or upgraded steel facilities.

IN FULL:

For the first time in several decades, the U.S. is poised to redefine its trade dynamics as President Donald J. Trump introduces tariffs aimed at equalizing trade conditions for American industries and American workers. This strategic move, reminiscent of actions taken during his first administration, aims to bolster economic growth.

Research conducted on the impact of tariffs from President Trump’s first term suggests that these measures fortified the U.S. economy. A 2024 study highlighted that tariffs resulted in significant reshoring in sectors such as manufacturing and steelmaking, while a 2023 U.S. International Trade Commission report revealed that tariffs curtailed imports from China and promoted local production.

The report indicated minor downstream price effects, aligning with findings by the Economic Policy Institute, which emphasized that the tariffs did not exacerbate inflation and had a negligible impact on prices overall.

“Following implementation of Sec. 232 measures in 2018—and prior to the global downturn in 2020—U.S. steel output, employment, capital investment, and financial performance all improved,” the Economic Policy Institute stated. This period saw U.S. steel producers commit over $15.7 billion to new or upgraded facilities, generating approximately 3,200 jobs.

A further analysis conducted by the Atlantic Council points to a potential increase in domestic product purchases prompted by tariffs. The Treasury Secretary under the Biden regime, Janet Yellen, supported this stance, stating that consumer prices would not significantly rise as a result of tariffs.

A separate 2024 economic analysis projected that a global 10 percent tariff could stimulate $728 billion in economic growth, create 2.8 million jobs, and lift real household incomes by 5.7 percent.

During President Trump’s first term, tariffs bolstered the iron ore industry in Minnesota, supported thousands of new jobs, led to investments exceeding $10 billion, and decreased steel and aluminum imports by nearly one-third from 2016 to 2020.

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Surge in Durable Goods Demand Signals Strong Trump Economy.

New data shows durable goods orders have risen for a second straight month, drastically beating expectations. The increase in demand, combined with the resilient job market and rising wages, suggests the corporate media narrative playing up fears of a recession is likely influencing negative consumer surveys and polling more than economic reality.

Durable goods orders were up 0.9 percent in February, beating expectations of a one percent decline. The increase was predominantly fueled by a surge in demand for industrial equipment and consumer goods like computers, appliances, and automobiles. Excluding transportation equipment, durable goods orders were up 0.7 percent, suggesting broad-based industrial strength continues.

Notably, computer and appliance demand was up 1.1 percent and two percent, respectively. Meanwhile, machinery demand was up 0.2 percent, and automobile demand was up a stunning four percent. With January’s data revised to a 3.3 percent increase, this suggests that overall, the U.S. manufacturing rebound is far stronger than indicated by consumer confidence surveys and business expectations surveys.

The new data should allay growing concerns over a potential recession. Economic downturns typically do not occur when demand surges and the job market remains robust.

Additionally, the durable goods data indicates the Trump White House’s trade tariffs are not depressing consumer demand overall. While the reciprocal tariffs will take effect next week, markets have predominantly priced in the increased costs, which appear to have had negligible impact on purchasing.

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New data shows durable goods orders have risen for a second straight month, drastically beating expectations. The increase in demand, combined with the resilient job market and rising wages, suggests the corporate media narrative playing up fears of a recession is likely influencing negative consumer surveys and polling more than economic reality. show more

Trump Secures $21 Billion Hyundai Investment, New Steel Mill Planned.

President Donald J. Trump’s tariff policies have secured a major investment from Korean automaker Hyundai. At least $5.8 billion will be invested in a new steel plant in Louisiana. Announced Monday, March 24, the endeavor is part of a broader commitment by the South Korean automaker, which plans to channel $21 billion into various U.S. projects over the next few years.

The new plant is forecast to produce 2.7 million metric tons of steel annually. It will also provide over 1,400 jobs, bolstering local employment. According to President Trump, this facility marks Hyundai’s inaugural steel production venture on U.S. soil and will support its automotive manufacturing operations in Alabama and Georgia.

Trump linked Hyundai’s hefty investment to the efficacy of U.S. tariff policies, suggesting that these duties have played a pivotal role in attracting foreign manufacturing and investment. He highlighted that Hyundai’s future output would be cultivated on American ground, thus bypassing any tariffs that would apply if production were based overseas.

Further details provided by President Trump indicated significant expansions for Hyundai beyond just the steel sector. The carmaker intends to amplify its automobile manufacturing capabilities in Georgia and propel investments into cutting-edge U.S. tech enterprises.

President Trump’s tariffs are expected to come into full effect on April 2, a day the President has referred to as “Liberation Day.” He also called for the Federal Reserve to cut interest rates as the tariffs come into force, arguing it would ease the transition of the American economy.

WATCH:

Image by Gage Skidmore.

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President Donald J. Trump's tariff policies have secured a major investment from Korean automaker Hyundai. At least $5.8 billion will be invested in a new steel plant in Louisiana. Announced Monday, March 24, the endeavor is part of a broader commitment by the South Korean automaker, which plans to channel $21 billion into various U.S. projects over the next few years. show more

Massive Jobs Numbers Fail On Eve of U.S. Election.

Ahead of the 2024 presidential election, the latest U.S. jobs report reveals a deteriorating economic situation. October’s employment gains were limited, with only 12,000 jobs added despite projections of an additional 112,000. This is a sharp decline from September’s increase of 223,000. A revision to August’s numbers shows only 78,000 jobs now having been added compared to the initial 142,000 reported.

Officials in the Biden-Harris government are trying to dismiss the dismal jobs report, blaming hurricanes and a Boeing labor strike. Concerningly, 46,000 manufacturing jobs were lost last month—suggesting a weakening in U.S. industrial sectors. If not for government employment, October would have marked the first negative payroll numbers since December 2020.

Employment in the film and sound recording industries increased by 2,600 to 448,000 positions following previous losses. In contrast, the broadcasting and content creation sectors saw a decrease, shedding 3,300.

The overall labor market data contrasts with earlier optimistic economic signals. Earlier reports pointed to a 2.8 percent GDP growth over the year and a continued drop in inflation rates. Notable advances in employment were seen in the healthcare and government sectors, whereas temporary business support and professional services faced declines.

In August, a benchmark employment revision revealed that employment gains for the year had been vastly overestimated, by nearly one million jobs. The continued lack of positive movement in the labor market means a second Federal Reserve interest rate cut is increasingly likely before the end of the year.

During the 2020 election, the corporate media piled on the Trump White House after the labor report showed the economy adding 661,000 jobs.

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Ahead of the 2024 presidential election, the latest U.S. jobs report reveals a deteriorating economic situation. October's employment gains were limited, with only 12,000 jobs added despite projections of an additional 112,000. This is a sharp decline from September's increase of 223,000. A revision to August's numbers shows only 78,000 jobs now having been added compared to the initial 142,000 reported. show more

Manufacturing, Mining, Energy Extraction Shrink Under Biden-Harris Govt.

U.S. manufacturing took a significant hit in September, shrinking by 0.4 percent, far worse than the expected 0.1 percent decline, pushing manufacturing output down 0.5 percent year-over-year. Under the Biden-Harris government, this trend dragged overall U.S. industrial production down by 0.3 percent month-over-month and 0.6 percent year-over-year, the weakest since April. This economic stumble follows a downward revision of August’s figures.

Union workers have been restive under the Biden-Harris government, and a strike by aircraft machinists contributed to a 0.3 percent reduction in industrial production, according to the Federal Reserve. Aerospace equipment production plunged by a staggering 8.3 percent, illustrating the vulnerabilities in critical industries under the current leadership.

Harris has weak support among union workers, and unions such as the Teamsters are breaking precedents by declining to endorse a candidate this year in deference to internal polling showing overwhelming support for Donald Trump.

Capacity utilization dropped to 77.5 percent, highlighting inefficiencies and underperformance in the nation’s industrial sector. The energy sector was not spared either, with mining and energy extraction sliding 0.6 percent. Only utilities saw a slight uptick—after three months of declines.

Critics argue that the Biden-Harris government’s policies have exacerbated economic instability, with the country’s sluggish economic performance being a direct consequence of “Bidenomics”—which the 81-year-old president has tied to his vice president, Democratic nominee Kamala Harris—rather than simply “transitory.”

Polls have consistently shown voters have more faith in Trump than Biden or Harris in terms of managing the economy and controlling inflation.

Image by Adam Schultz.

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U.S. manufacturing took a significant hit in September, shrinking by 0.4 percent, far worse than the expected 0.1 percent decline, pushing manufacturing output down 0.5 percent year-over-year. Under the Biden-Harris government, this trend dragged overall U.S. industrial production down by 0.3 percent month-over-month and 0.6 percent year-over-year, the weakest since April. This economic stumble follows a downward revision of August’s figures. show more
bidenomics

BIDENOMICS: John Deere to Lay Off Hundreds in Midwest as Production Moves to Mexico.

John Deere, the leading global seller of tractors and crop harvesters, announced another round of layoffs last Friday due to a collapse in demand and a slowing U.S. economy. The company informed approximately 610 production staff in its Illinois and Iowa plants that their employment would end by the end of the summer. According to John Deere, all layoffs will take effect on August 30.

The agricultural equipment supplier attributed the layoffs to reduced demand for its products manufactured at these locations. Despite reporting $10.166 billion in profits last year, the company cited rising operational costs and declining market demand as reasons for these changes. “We can confirm Deere leadership recently communicated that rising operational costs and declining market demand requires enterprise-wide changes in how work gets done to achieve our goals and best position the company for the future,” a company statement reads.

This month, the company also announced plans to transfer the production of skid steer loaders and compact track loaders from its Dubuque facility to Mexico by the end of 2026, citing rising domestic manufacturing costs in the United States. In October, John Deere laid off 225 employees at its Harvester Works plant in East Moline. This was followed by layoffs at other locations, including 34 workers in May at its Moline Cylinder Works factory and 150 more in March at its Ankeny, Iowa, facility. Approximately 500 employees were let go at its Waterloo plant in Iowa earlier this year.

Lower crop prices have led to an excess of unsold tractors and combines, resulting in some equipment sellers offering discounts and suspending new orders. The Department of Agriculture forecasted a 25.5 percent decline in farm income to $116.1 billion this year compared to 2023 levels.

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John Deere, the leading global seller of tractors and crop harvesters, announced another round of layoffs last Friday due to a collapse in demand and a slowing U.S. economy. The company informed approximately 610 production staff in its Illinois and Iowa plants that their employment would end by the end of the summer. According to John Deere, all layoffs will take effect on August 30. show more

U.S. To Outsource Weapons Production With Stockpiles Rapidly Depleted By Ukraine.

The United States is set to begin outsourcing some weapons production to countries like Australia, Japan, Poland, and India after the military’s stockpiles have become dangerously low from supplying munitions to Ukraine and Israel, among other nations. Australia, specifically, will soon become a major supplier of artillery shells and multiple guided missiles for the U.S. military. The move to outsource U.S. weapons production directly contradicts claims by the Biden government that military aid for Ukraine, Taiwan, and Israel would serve to boost U.S. manufacturing jobs.

Australia has made significant investments in weapons manufacturing over the past few years in an effort to become a major hub for U.S. defense production. According to the Pentagon, foreign-produced weapons are still required to meet U.S. government specifications and standards. Most of the weapons produced in Australia will go to replenish U.S. stockpiles, be sent to Ukraine, or be sold to countries like Taiwan.

The Biden government has downplayed foreign weapons production as lawmakers on Capitol Hill have continued to debate a $95 billion foreign military aid supplemental funding package. President Joe Biden and his Democrat allies in Congress have insisted the legislation would serve as a boon for U.S. domestic manufacturing.

“While this bill sends military equipment to Ukraine,” Biden said in late February, before claiming: “…it spends the money right here in the United States of America in places like Arizona, where the Patriot missiles are built; and Alabama, where the Javelin missiles are built; and Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Texas, where artillery shells are made.”

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The United States is set to begin outsourcing some weapons production to countries like Australia, Japan, Poland, and India after the military's stockpiles have become dangerously low from supplying munitions to Ukraine and Israel, among other nations. Australia, specifically, will soon become a major supplier of artillery shells and multiple guided missiles for the U.S. military. The move to outsource U.S. weapons production directly contradicts claims by the Biden government that military aid for Ukraine, Taiwan, and Israel would serve to boost U.S. manufacturing jobs. show more