Trump’s False Auto Industry Tweets
In a series of tweets aimed at the auto industry, President Donald Trump inaccurately said that his fuel efficiency plan would reduce the cost of cars “by more than $3000” and make them “substantially safer.” Even going by his administration’s analysis — which many experts doubt — he inflated the savings and is wrong about car safety.
The tweets, which began the morning of Aug. 21, followed last month’s announcement that four major auto companies had signed a deal with California to largely adhere to the fuel economy standards the Obama administration had put in place, although with slightly less stringency and more flexibility.
Trump’s plan, which has not yet been finalized, calls for freezing the standards at 2020 levels through 2026. It also revokes California’s ability to set stricter standards. The auto companies struck a deal with California to avoid two sets.
