Trump admin hearing on his threatened auto tariffs has begun with four major speakers - repping U.S. and foreign automakers, U.S. auto dealers, and the National Association of Manufacturers - saying the tariffs are a terrible idea, would hurt both U.S. companies and consumers.
UAW autoworkers union is the first entity at the hearing to speak in favour of the Trump investigation that might lead to auto tariffs. Calls for "targeted" protection, though warns, “Any rash actions could have unforeseen consquences including mass layoffs of American workers."
We're now at 20 speakers at Trump's hearing on possible "national security" auto tariffs. Just one, the UAW union, has expressed any kind of support. Otherwise unanimous: no basis at all for the idea that car imports are a national security issue, tariffs would hurt the US.
Rather than the usual lawyer, lobbyist or executive, Hyundai sent a maintenance worker from its plant in Alabama, John Hall, to testify to the Trump admin about how the company and its trade help America.
The Canadian government just publicly promised to impose retaliatory tariffs in response to any Trump tariffs on automobiles and auto parts made in Canada.
The retaliation promise was delivered to the Trump administration by deputy ambassador Kirsten Hillman. Foreign minister Freeland had strongly suggested Canada would retaliate but hadn’t made such a public pledge.
Hillman, Canada’s deputy ambasador to the U.S., spoke with particular disdain for the suggestion that foreign auto imports could be a threat to U.S. national security. Her remarks: 
Jim Wilson, trade and economic development minister for Ontario's Progressive Conservative government, spoke against the tariffs next, saying Premier Doug Ford's team stands "shoulder to shoulder" with the federal Liberals on this.
Story: Canada's Trudeau government promises "proportional" retaliatory tariffs on the U.S. in response to any Trump auto tariffs on Canada: thestar.com/news/canada/20…
