This was unexpected.
A top Toyota executive is now pushing back against President Trump after he proudly announced that the Japanese auto giant planned to pour $10 billion into new U.S. factories — a move Trump said would bring back thousands of good-paying American jobs.
Speaking at the Japan Mobility Show in Tokyo, Toyota executive Hiroyuki Ueda told reporters that Trump’s claim “probably” referred to discussions from his first term — not a new promise.
“During the first Trump administration, the figure was roughly around $10 billion,” Ueda said. “We didn’t commit to the same amount this time, but we did explain that we’ll continue investing and providing employment as before.”
Ueda’s remarks immediately sparked headlines around the world, with critics suggesting Toyota was trying to downplay Trump’s booming success in restoring U.S. manufacturing.
Even so, the company quickly released a statement trying to calm the controversy — and avoid angering American consumers who have embraced Trump’s “America First” economic policies.
“Toyota remains committed to continued investment in its U.S. operations,” the company said. “With nearly $50 billion already invested and 49,000 American employees, this ongoing commitment strengthens our support for U.S. manufacturing, supply chains, and jobs.”
President Trump had celebrated the supposed investment earlier in the week while speaking aboard the USS George Washington in Japan.
Trump told the crowd of cheering service members that the prime minister had informed him Toyota plans to build auto factories across America worth more than $10 billion, adding with a grin, “Go out and buy a Toyota!”
Trump then highlighted the economic boom under his leadership — crediting tariffs, energy independence, and tough trade deals for forcing global corporations to reinvest in America.
“We have so many things happening in the United States,” Trump said. “It’s because of the November 5th Election Day, but it’s also because of tariffs.”
While Toyota’s executives may be trying to walk back Trump’s success story, the reality remains: America’s manufacturing revival is back in full swing, and global automakers know the U.S. is once again the best place on Earth to build and do business.