President Trump VISITS Ford River Rouge Complex In Michigan

On Tuesday, January 13, 2026, President Trump visited the Ford River Rouge Complex in Dearborn, Michigan. This site visit and plant tour were central to his administration’s "Make Driving Great Again" initiative and focused on promoting a manufacturing-heavy economic agenda.

Key Highlights of the Visit
The Facility: The President toured the Dearborn Truck Plant, the manufacturing home of the Ford F-150. He observed the assembly of gas-powered, hybrid, and Raptor models.

Economic Strategy: During the tour, Trump highlighted his administration's use of tariffs—specifically a 100% tariff on vehicles imported from China—as the primary driver for a "manufacturing renaissance" in the U.S.

Leadership Presence: He was joined by Ford Executive Chairman Bill Ford, CEO Jim Farley, and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. Bill Ford noted during the visit that the plant would be expanding to 24-hour shifts to meet demand.

Policy Shift: The visit took place against the backdrop of a significant shift in the auto industry. Just weeks prior, Ford announced it was scrapping plans for an electric F-150 following the administration's rollback of EV tax credits and emission standards.

On January 13, 2026, President Donald Trump participated in a site visit and plant tour at the Ford River Rouge complex in Dearborn, Michigan. The visit was part of a broader trip to Michigan that included a speech at the Detroit Economic Club.

Tour Details
Facility Focus: Trump toured the factory floor and assembly line where the Ford F-150 is manufactured, observing the production of gas-powered, hybrid, and Raptor models.

Accompaniment: He was accompanied by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and guided by Ford Executive Chairman Bill Ford, CEO Jim Farley, and Plant Manager Corey Williams.

Economic Agenda: The visit aimed to promote administration efforts to boost U.S. manufacturing, citing tariffs and regulatory relief as drivers for job growth and new investments like additional shifts.

Notable Incidents
Confrontation with Worker: During the tour, a viral video captured a tense exchange where a factory worker heckled Trump, reportedly calling him a "pedophile protector".

Response: Trump responded by making an obscene hand gesture (raising his middle finger) at the heckler. The White House described this as an "appropriate and unambiguous response" to a "lunatic".

Repercussions: The worker involved was reportedly suspended by the United Auto Workers (UAW) pending a further investigation by Ford. Bill Ford later called the incident "unfortunate" but noted that the rest of the hour-long tour "went great".

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Defense Now | January 2026
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President Trump Participates in a Site Visit and Plant Tour
Detroit, MI

Film Credits: White House Communications Agency