This is the transcript from an interview with Rep. Debbie Dingell, a Democrat from Michigan, that was broadcast on “Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan” on March 16, 2025.
MARGARET BRENNAN: We welcome Michigan’s Democratic Congresswoman Debbie Dingell. It’s great to have you here, and happy early St. Patrick’s Day.
REPRESENTATIVE DEBBIE DINGELL: Top of the morning to you.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Congresswoman, I’d like to discuss the implications of these tariffs and possible tariffs, especially considering your background from Michigan’s manufacturing sector. The data shows Michigan has lost over 220,000 manufacturing jobs in the last 30 years. The vice president visited Michigan this week and claimed that the entire Trump strategy revolves around industrial resurgence. Does that resonate in your area?
REP. DINGELL: I have a different perspective on this compared to many. I see tariffs as one tool among many. Remember, I predicted Donald Trump’s victory in 2016 when no one else thought it was possible, and I was right. That was primarily due to one issue: trade. NAFTA was one of the worst trade agreements in our nation’s history, resulting in many jobs being outsourced. When Trump came into office, I collaborated with him to renegotiate it into what is now USMCA. The way tariffs are currently implemented is causing chaos in the auto industry. They can be an effective tool against China, but they appear to be selectively enforced. The domestic auto manufacturers are complying with USMCA, and given the complexity of their inventory and production processes, changes cannot happen overnight. I want to collaborate with the administration on this. I believe the 25% tariffs are excessive and unfairly burdensome. The auto industry is caught in a larger conflict. My goal is to bring manufacturing back home and strengthen our supply chains. We need a robust industrial policy where tariffs play a part, but we must implement them in a manner that allows for proper planning.
MARGARET BRENNAN: The Big Three automakers reached out to President Trump, which contributed to the deferment of these tariffs set for April 2. Do you have any estimates on how long it would take to establish the type of plants needed to return all manufacturing home as President Trump is suggesting?
REP. DINGELL: If everything went perfectly—which, does that ever happen?—it would take about two to three years. Our suppliers also need to be considered, and we urgently need to renegotiate USMCA. It’s time to reassess how we view Mexico and Canada as trading partners. Mexico—
MARGARET BRENNAN: You support this concept of Secretary Rubio advocating for bilateral agreements—
REP. DINGELL: Absolutely. I—
MARGARET BRENNAN: —not treating North America as a whole—
REP. DINGELL: Completely. Canada would never allow China to construct a plant in Canada and then label it as a North American vehicle. We must ensure that does not occur. I fully support that. However, regarding the aluminum and steel tariffs, 60% of aluminum used in this country is imported from Canada. A 25% tariff on that significantly cuts into automobile profit margins. The profit margins are narrow; companies cannot absorb that cost. We need to find a solution. I am not opposed to trade policy; it just needs to be executed in such a way that doesn’t jeopardize the domestic auto industry. I don’t believe Donald Trump aims to dismantle the domestic auto sector. We must work together to sustain it. Moreover, while discussing Canada and Mexico, we must acknowledge that Korea and Japan still import 2.5 million vehicles each without tariffs. This isn’t treating everyone fairly.
MARGARET BRENNAN: S&P Global indicates that North American auto production could potentially decrease by 20,000 units daily starting this week due to the tariffs. It’s affecting—
REP. DINGELL: Companies need stability. The automobile industry requires certainty; they shouldn’t be tossed around like a ping pong ball.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Are you in talks with the Commerce Secretary or the Trade Representative? Is there any dialogue occurring?
REP. DINGELL: I have not spoken with the Commerce Secretary, but I have been in contact with Bob Lighthizer, with whom I worked closely—
MARGARET BRENNAN: The former advisor—
REP. DINGELL: —the previous trade advisor. I collaborated extensively with President Trump in 2016; I was confident in asserting he would win. Democrats dropped the ball on trade.
MARGARET BRENNAN: On the topic of Democrats and their actions, I want to discuss the previous week’s events. We were on the brink of a government shutdown, and ultimately, Senate Democrats joined Republicans in voting for this short-term funding measure. Senator Murphy from Connecticut mentioned it would have been a risk to shut down the government, but it might have been worth the gamble.
REP. DINGELL: You know—
MARGARET BRENNAN: Do you agree?
REP. DINGELL: In the House, we were nearly united, with only one dissent. There were strong sentiments in the House regarding what they believed the Senate ought to pursue.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Senate Leader Chuck Schumer suggested that you succeeded because there was flexibility in voting—
REP. DINGELL: But I’m going to—
MARGARET BRENNAN: —while Republicans voted as a block.
REP. DINGELL: I think he sent mixed messages. I spoke with many labor members last week. The AFGE, whose employees would be the most affected, felt torn due to concerns about their workforce—so I engage with them regularly to understand their stance. They opposed the measure as they already felt compromised. They see this as a license for DOGE to move forward unchecked. Congress is being sidelined; people are suffering. Margaret, there is clear frustration among the populace. We need to focus ahead. Reconciliation is on the horizon, and we must unify as Democrats to ensure that individuals’ health care, Medicaid, Social Security, and Medicare remain intact and not subjected to cuts.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Can Leader Jeffries truly maintain that level of unity in the House?
REP. DINGELL: He demonstrated he could achieve it last week. I can tell you that if you’re back home, my town halls resemble Republican town halls. I’m not taking it personally; people are concerned. They want action from us.
MARGARET BRENNAN: By “people are shouting,” you mean they are angry and upset?
REP. DINGELL: Yes! They want to see Democrats fighting back, and they are genuinely frightened about their futures, particularly regarding seniors. I recently visited my asthma doctor, and a woman in a wheelchair with her child broke down in tears with me in the hospital. What can be done to ensure my child can still receive care here?
MARGARET BRENNAN: Thank you, Congresswoman. We must conclude here for today, but we will return shortly.
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