President Donald Trump is shaking up Washington again—this time taking bold steps to protect American jobs and defend national security.
But not everyone’s on board with all of it.
United Auto Workers (UAW) President Shawn Fain made headlines Sunday after criticizing President Trump’s latest executive order that limits union power among federal workers. At the same time, Fain praised Trump’s tough new tariffs on imported vehicles—saying they could bring back Made in America manufacturing and revive U.S. auto jobs.
Union Leader Changes Tune on Trump—Now Backs His Tariffs
Fain, appearing on CBS News’s Face the Nation, didn’t hold back. He called Trump’s executive order “deplorable,” accusing the president of “stripping away bargaining rights” from hundreds of thousands of federal employees.
The new order impacts agencies with national security missions, such as the Department of Defense, Homeland Security, and the Department of Veterans Affairs. According to the White House, these changes are essential to keeping government efficient, secure, and responsive in critical areas.
But here’s the twist: Fain, a longtime critic of Trump, reversed course on another front—offering rare praise for the President’s strong stance on American industry.
“We applaud the shift with tariffs,” Fain said, admitting that Trump’s policy is good for American workers and U.S. manufacturing.
Just months ago, Fain had joined Democrats in opposing Trump’s agenda—marching on picket lines and denouncing the administration’s labor policies. But now, even Trump’s critics are starting to admit: his America-first economic strategy is working.
What Matters More: Union Power or American Jobs?
CBS host Major Garrett asked Fain to pick a side—what’s more important, a president who joins union protests or a president who brings back jobs?
“It’s both,” Fain said, trying to walk a fine line. “We want leadership that supports labor and supports good working conditions.”
Still, Fain unleashed harsh words for Trump’s executive order:
“With the stroke of a marker, hundreds of thousands of workers lost bargaining rights… this is about more than contracts—this is about free speech.”
But for everyday Americans—especially those over 50 who remember when Detroit was booming—the message is clear: Trump’s tough trade policies are finally bringing jobs home.
National Security Comes First
Trump’s executive order focuses on unions in federal agencies that handle sensitive operations. His administration argues that collective bargaining can slow down response times and undermine urgent national security decisions.
Agencies affected include:
- Department of Homeland Security
- Department of Defense
- Department of Veterans Affairs
- State Department
- Treasury
- Environmental Protection Agency
- General Services Administration
- And others
Bottom Line: Trump Puts America First—Even When It’s Not Politically Convenient
Fain summed it up by saying he’s willing to work with any administration that helps workers—but admitted there’s a “long list” of disagreements with President Trump.
Still, the facts are hard to ignore. While some union leaders focus on politics, President Trump is focused on results: stronger borders, safer communities, and good-paying jobs for American families.
Do you agree with President Trump’s tough stance on union reform and national security? Or should union leaders have more say in government operations?