President Trump told U.S. troops in Japan to purchase cars made by Toyota on Tuesday, saying that the Japanese carmaker has plans to build auto plants across the country.
“I was just told by the prime minister that Toyota is going to be putting auto plants all over the United States to the tune of over $10 billion,” Trump told U.S. troops aboard the USS George Washington at the Yokosuka Naval Base.
“Go out and buy a Toyota,” he said to applause.
“We have so many things happening in the United States,” he continued, referring to the emergence of artificial intelligence plants across the country. “And it’s because of the Nov. 5 Election Day but it’s also because of tariffs.”
The president’s comments were noteworthy given past efforts by him and other U.S. presidents to promote American-made cars. The president won the critical battleground state of Michigan, the center of the U.S. automobile industry, by just over one point.
Trump is currently on the latest leg of his Asia trip in Japan where he met with the country’s new Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on Tuesday.
In an effort to ease trade tensions, the Japanese government has floated purchasing Ford F-150 trucks. Trump praised the effort while speaking to reporters on Air Force One.
“Well that’s great, she has good taste. That’s a hot truck,” Trump said.
When asked if he was concerned Takaichi would try to negotiate a trade deal, the president touted the U.S. relationship with Japan.
“She might,” Trump said. “We have a great relationship with Japan, and we’re going to have a fantastic relationship with her.”
