**Breaking News: Ford Shuts Down Factories Amid Tariff Crisis, Trump Faces Backlash**
In a stunning turn of events, Ford Motor Company has abruptly shut down its factories in Chicago and Michigan, leaving 6,000 employees in limbo just 48 hours after President Trump imposed a staggering 25% tariff on all imported cars and components. The drastic measure comes as Ford braces for an alarming $1.5 billion hit to its profits, a consequence of the tariffs that are now rippling through the auto industry.
The silence in Ford’s production lines is deafening. Workers received a midnight text instructing them to go home and await further instructions, a stark indicator of the chaos unleashed by Trump’s trade policies. Analysts warn that North American production could plummet by 20,000 vehicles a day, potentially wiping out nearly 1 million cars from dealer lots within a year. The fallout is not limited to Ford; suppliers are facing impossible choices, and dealerships are already witnessing a surge in vehicle prices, with some models seeing hikes of up to $2,000.
While Trump celebrates the tariffs as a victory for American jobs, the reality on the ground tells a different story. Consumers are grappling with skyrocketing prices and delayed purchases, leading to a dangerous spiral that could cripple the auto market. The average price of a new vehicle surged 2.5% in April alone, the sharpest increase since the pandemic lockdowns.
As the situation escalates, the repercussions are felt beyond Detroit. Stalantis has already laid off 900 workers, and the ripple effect threatens to spread across the entire supply chain, with parts manufacturers fearing bankruptcy and layoffs. Economists predict that continued disruptions could shave significant points off the GDP, leaving factory towns in dire straits.
With the threat of retaliatory tariffs from China looming large, the stakes are higher than ever. The question remains: will Washington reconsider its aggressive stance before America’s automotive heartland is irreparably damaged? As the clock ticks, the auto industry holds its breath, awaiting the next move in this high-stakes trade war.