Manufacturing Industry
What will the auto tariff rates be according to President Trump?
According to President Trump, the auto tariff rates will initially be in the neighborhood of 25%, scheduled to be officially announced on April 2nd. However, these rates won't remain static - Trump indicates they will increase 'very substantially higher over a course of a year.' This progressive tariff structure appears designed to pressure foreign automakers into establishing manufacturing facilities within the United States. The implied strategy suggests companies that build their vehicles in America would likely be exempt from these escalating tariffs.
Watch clip answer (00:22m)What happened to American manufacturing jobs and how has the textile industry been impacted?
According to Mike Rowe, American manufacturing jobs have significantly declined, with the textile industry particularly hard hit. In 1979, 70% of clothing worn by Americans was made domestically, but today that figure has plummeted to less than 2%. This dramatic shift represents part of the broader manufacturing decline that has affected numerous industries across the country. Despite these challenges, Rowe highlights inspirational stories of American companies committed to domestic manufacturing. He regularly features businesses like American Giant, Goruck, and Montana Knife Company that have made the commitment to produce in the USA, despite facing numerous obstacles. These companies persevere even though the playing field often feels unfair to domestic manufacturers.
Watch clip answer (01:19m)What scholarship opportunity is Mike Rowe's foundation currently offering for skills training?
The Mike Rowe Works Foundation is currently offering $2.5 million in Work Ethic scholarships for individuals seeking training in skilled trades. These scholarships target the approximately 8 million jobs in America that don't require a four-year degree but do require specialized training. Interested candidates can apply through microworks.org. This initiative addresses the skills gap in the country by providing financial support to those pursuing careers in essential trades like plumbing, electrical work, and welding—careers that offer financial security and stability without requiring traditional college education.
Watch clip answer (00:17m)What has happened to US manufacturing jobs since 1979, and what efforts is Mike Rowe making to address this decline?
US manufacturing jobs have dramatically declined from their peak of 19.5 million in 1979 to approximately 12.7 million today, representing a significant loss in this sector. Mike Rowe, CEO of the Mike Rowe Works Foundation, is addressing this decline by focusing on teaching people practical skills and vocational training. Rowe's foundation promotes skills development through initiatives like Work Ethic scholarships, which provide $2.5 million in funding for training in various trades. His work emphasizes how skills training can lead to financial security and job stability in trades that cannot be outsourced, helping individuals like plumber Sean Kelly find success through vocational education.
Watch clip answer (00:19m)How has the American textile industry changed since 1979?
In 1979, 70% of the clothing worn by Americans was made domestically by American workers. Today, that figure has dramatically declined to less than 2%. This represents one of the most significant shifts in U.S. manufacturing over the past several decades. This change is part of what Mike Rowe describes as the "giant sucking sound" that Ross Perot once warned about - the massive outsourcing of American manufacturing jobs. The textile industry appears to be at the forefront of this trend, but Rowe notes that this decline has "impacted virtually everything" in American manufacturing.
Watch clip answer (00:24m)What has happened to American textile manufacturing since 1979?
Since 1979, American textile manufacturing has experienced a dramatic decline. At its peak, 70% of clothing worn by Americans was made domestically, but today that figure has plummeted to less than 2%. Mike Rowe describes this industry as being on the leading edge of the manufacturing exodus that Ross Perot once warned about. This steep drop represents a broader trend that has impacted virtually all manufacturing sectors in the United States. The textile industry serves as a powerful example of how American manufacturing capabilities have been hollowed out over the past four decades, fundamentally changing the economic landscape.
Watch clip answer (00:24m)