President Donald Trump highlighted a Michigan autoworker Thursday during what he called a “big, beautiful event” at the White House. Standing in the East Room surrounded by workers from different trades, Trump announced new tax benefits aimed at American-made cars.
One of those workers was James Benson, a third-generation autoworker from Belleville, Michigan. Benson has spent 26 years at Ford Motor Company and, until recently, was a lifelong Democrat.
Trump said Benson flipped in 2017 after seeing the benefits from his administration’s tax cuts. The president used Benson’s story to promote his new plan focused on vehicle loan interest deductions.
Trump’s proposal would allow car buyers to deduct up to $10,000 in auto loan interest per year—but only if the vehicle is made in the U.S. “If it was made someplace else, we don’t care,” Trump quipped.
The deduction would apply to passenger vehicles including cars, trucks, SUVs, vans and even motorcycles, as long as final assembly takes place on U.S. soil. The provision would cover tax years 2025 through 2028.
The tax break begins to phase out for individuals earning over $100,000 in modified adjusted gross income. It’s part of a broader package that also includes deductions for overtime and tips.
Trump stressed that the goal is to keep American factories—especially in states like Michigan—busy and thriving. “If you have plants in this country, you’re going to make a lot of money,” he said.
He closed with a message to Benson and others in manufacturing: “Remember that, James. We’re going to keep those Michigan auto factories roaring.”