Detroit, MI
Automakers seek clarity as reports suggest Detroit 3 may avoid big tariffs
Who will actually pay for Trump’s tariffs?
While trade is a hot topic among the Trump Administration, who actually pays for the new tariffs?
Fox – Fox 9
The U.S. auto industry Monday morning sought clarity over the latest news implying that automakers might dodge the most dreaded tariffs. Reports over the weekend said President Donald Trump’s administration is likely to exclude a set of sector-specific tariffs while applying reciprocal levies on April 2.
The auto industry would be part of those sector-specific tariffs to be excluded, according to reports in Bloomberg News and the Wall Street Journal, which both cited officials as sources. Stocks soared Monday on the reports.
On Monday morning, Ford Motor Co. and Stellantis declined to comment. General Motors deferred comment to the American Automotive Policy Council, the lobbying group for the Detroit Three, which did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Some of the automakers said their policy teams were still seeking clarity on what this development will mean for them.
Similarly, the supplier industry trade association MEMA declined comment, with spokesperson Megan Gardner telling the Free Press, “At this point, given the uncertainty and evolving nature of the tariff discussions, we’re focusing our commentary on more concrete policy developments. That said, we’re closely monitoring the situation and will be ready to comment if and when the administration provides more clarity.”
A White House official said Trump is still deciding what he will do about sector-specific tariffs on April 2 or afterward, and no final decision has been made. This person provided the information to the Free Press asking to not be named because they are not authorized to speak on the record.
The UAW, which has come out in support of tariffs, believing they will boost U.S. manufacturing, had not provided a reaction.
The Alliance for Automotive Innovation, which represents automakers, did not immediately respond to a request for a comment, but it has said that tariffs would have a “negative impact on vehicle price and vehicle availability” that would be felt almost immediately.
The Detroit car companies have continually been communicating with the White House. The Detroit Free Press has learned from at least three sources that the top executives from the Detroit automakers have been regularly visiting or communicating with Trump over the past several weeks in an attempt to outline the dire impact tariffs would have on the industry. These sources asked to not be named because they are not authorized to share that information publicly, but one of them said the talks with Trump have not always gone smoothly.
It’s partly for that reason, along with the vagueness of this latest development, that some industry analysts aren’t ready to say the auto industry is in the clear.
“I can’t imagine anyone saying, ‘Phew we’re done! That’s it.’ That’s not how it works with this guy,” said Sam Fiorani, vice president of global vehicle forecasting at Auto Forecast Solutions, of Trump. “The administration has to comfort everyone by adamantly stating that there will be no tariffs on automotives before anyone can get comfortable.”
A ‘step back from the edge’ for Detroit
Don’t tell that to Wall Street because the market reacted with glee Monday morning on the news, pushing the stock prices of all three Detroit automakers higher.
Dan Ives, Wedbush Securities global head of Technology Research and managing director and senior equity analyst, told the Free Press that investors believe the auto sector likely “is out of the woods for now.”
“This is all a game of high-stakes poker and Trump knows the massive implications this would have on the auto sector in the U.S.,” Ives said in an email. “The Big 3 auto stalwarts have clearly communicated the message to the White House and it appears to be working. Huge step back from the edge for the 313 auto industry.”
Here’s where tariffs stand: Trump has increased tariffs on goods imported from China to 20%. He has imposed tariffs of 25% on Canadian and Mexican goods, but has exempted auto industry companies that are compliant with the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement from the tariffs until April 2. Earlier this month, he announced a 25% tariff on steel and aluminum imports from all countries, which will impact carmakers. Many countries have responded with imposing retaliatory tariffs on goods coming from the United States.
Trump said he supports tariffs, which are taxes paid by importers on goods when they cross a border, to encourage countries to halt illegal immigration and keep fentanyl out of the United States. He has also said tariffs will spur manufacturers to add more U.S. production.
In the case of cars, the Detroit automakers are already operating most of their plants at full capacity and as Ford CEO Jim Farley has said his company will not be building new plants in the states anytime soon, citing the billions of dollars it costs to build a new factory and the years it requires.
Canada happy to hear the news
One Local UAW leader told the Free Press Monday, “My instant reaction to this news would be, OK great for the auto industry. Now hopefully all the other industries can get Trump onboard so that they won’t be destroyed either.”
This union leader asked to not be named because he is not authorized to share his opinion publicly on the president’s policies.
In the meantime, Ford and GM have been hustling autos and parts across the Canadian border as quickly as possible ahead of potential 25% tariffs on April 2. Unifor, the union that represents Canada’s autoworkers, has been helping them and was relieved to hear the news Monday.
“That is obviously fantastic news,” John D’Agnolo, president of Unifor Local 200 and chair of the Auto Council for Unifor, told the Free Press Monday. “There were thousands and thousands of jobs in jeopardy. I’m quite pleased (Trump) was able to look at the impact it would have. I know the automakers were laying out the complexity of it all so he could understand how it all works across the three nations.”
Unifor Local 200 represents some 2,000 workers at Ford’s Essex Engine and Windsor Engine plants in Windsor, Ontario. It provides the engines that power Ford’s bestselling F-Series pickups, which are built in Dearborn, Kentucky and Ohio. D’Agnolo said just one truck full of 45 Ford engines used in the popular Super Duty pickup would cost Ford about $70,000 in tariffs if Trump imposts a 25% tariff on Canada and does not exempt autos.
D’Agnolo said his union is still helping push as many engines out of the plants and onto trucks to get them to the states as fast as possible to help Ford. He said he’s seeing vehicles coming into Canada from the states at a rapid pace too — all of it is an attempt to get as much product over borders in the event Trump does decide to impose the 25% tax. He believes this latest news indicates that Trump will permanently exempt tariffs on autos, at least “for now.”
“Things could change as we all know, but I’m believing that he recognized, with all the work that’s being done to show him, the damage to the industry,” D’Agnolo said. “I’m sure he wouldn’t know every aspect of the industry and how it runs on all three borders.”
A bad move politically
Sam Abuelsamid, vice president of market research at Telemetry Insights, said he expects Trump will exempt autos from broad tariffs.
“Over the last couple of months, the automakers have been lobbying aggressively to find their way around these tariffs,” Abuelsamid said. “The negative economic impact of these tariffs would be huge. They may be realizing from a political standpoint it would do more harm than good to have these tariffs, from the job losses to the spike in inflation.”
Fiorani said April 2 can’t come soon enough so that there is clarity for the industry.
“Uncertainty in the auto industry is detrimental to the way they do business,” Fiorani said. “Not knowing how much it’s going to cost to bring a part across next month or next year really throws a problem in their budgets and this is not an industry that makes a lot of money relative to the outpouring of investment.”
When the automakers make decisions on North American production it is for the long term, he said. The industry appreciates the value of free trade between the United States, Canada and Mexico so, “suddenly putting a tariff in there is not going to change the production location of any part or vehicles because it takes too much time to do that. They cannot react on a sudden whim.”
This is a developing story.
Todd Spangler and Jackie Charniga contributed to this report.
Jamie L. LaReau is the senior autos writer who covers Ford Motor Co. for the Detroit Free Press. Contact Jamie at jlareau@freepress.com. Follow her on Twitter @jlareauan. To sign up for our autos newsletter. Become a subscriber.
Detroit, MI
Preview: February 28 vs. Detroit | Carolina Hurricanes
RALEIGH, N.C. – The Carolina Hurricanes will try to extend their point streak to a dozen games on Saturday, when they go head-to-head with the Detroit Red Wings.
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When: Saturday, February 28
Puck Drop: 7:00 p.m. ET
Watch: FanDuel Sports Network South, FanDuel Sports Network App | Learn More
Listen: 99.9 The Fan, Hurricanes App
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Canes Record: 37-15-6 (80 Points, 1st – Metropolitan Division)
Canes Last Game: 5-4 Win over the Tampa Bay Lightning on Thursday, Feb. 26
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Red Wings Record: 34-19-6 (74 Points, T-2nd – Atlantic Division)
Red Wings Last Game: 2-1 Win (OT) over the Ottawa Senators on Thursday, Feb. 26
Detroit, MI
Terrion Arnold ‘maintains complete innocence’ in kidnapping, theft case
I represent Mr. Terrion Arnold in connection with an incident that allegedly occurred on February 4, 2026, in Tampa, Florida, which resulted in the arrest of five individuals on serious felony charges.
To be clear, Mr. Arnold had no involvement whatsoever in the activities that led to those arrests. He did not participate in, nor was he present for, any conduct related to the alleged offenses. There is no evidence in police reports, text messages, or witness statements that implicates Mr. Arnold in any way.
In fact, after direct communication with the lead prosecutor, it has been confirmed that no charges have been filed against Mr. Arnold in connection with this matter.
Recent media coverage has referenced an Order issued by Circuit Judge J. Logan Murphy, which improperly suggests Mr. Arnold’s involvement in the incident. That same Order also incorrectly identifies Ms. Devalle as Mr. Arnold’s girlfriend. Both assertions are false, misleading, and entirely unsupported by the record.
Mr. Arnold categorically denies these unfounded claims and maintains his complete innocence. He was not involved in the crimes allegedly committed on February 4, 2026, in Tampa, Florida.
We strongly urge members of the media to refrain from perpetuating inaccurate or speculative narratives. The facts are clear, and they do not support any claim of wrongdoing by Mr. Arnold.
Detroit, MI
Robert ‘Fish’ Jenkins helped Detroit students soar in sports and life
There was a time when many Historical Black Colleges had swimming teams. The late Robert ‘Fish’ Jenkins benefited from that era and then he spent much of his adult life lifting up youths in Detroit.
Black heritage tours teach travelers what they missed in history class
So much of America’s Black history isn’t taught in schools, but travelers can learn about some of those experiences on the road.
Cody Godwin, USA TODAY
The celebration of Black History Month throughout February provides an opportunity to share stories about Detroiters that have positively impacted the lives of others in a variety of ways.
And included among those stories that have been shared this month is a “Fish” story that is unique, without exaggeration.
That is because this story is about the late Robert “Fish” Jenkins Sr., a longtime Detroit educator and a groundbreaking coach, whose superpower was his ability to create life-changing opportunities for young people in unconventional spaces.
In 1969, Jenkins arrived at Detroit’s Northern High School as a physical education teacher and coach. During Northern’s heyday, the high school, formerly located on Woodward Avenue at Owen in the city’s North End, produced a host of high-profile sports stars, including basketball greats Bill Buntin — a two-time All-American center at the University of Michigan during the 1960s — and Derrick Coleman — the first overall pick in the 1990 NBA draft. And record-breaking sprinter Marshall Dill, Track & Field News’ High School Athlete of the Year in 1971, who set world records in the 300-yard dash while running for Michigan State University.
However, Jenkins specialized in coaching sports that were a little less popular among young people in Detroit, particularly Black students. Jenkins coached teams at Northern — and for one year at East English Village Preparatory Academy after he retired from teaching in 2001 — to 24 Detroit Public School League championships in swimming, golf and soccer.
“No matter what the sport was, he had the formula to make a team a champion,” Robert Jenkins Jr. said about his father, who died on Jan. 14 at the age 86.
“But more than that, my father had a profound impact on the minds of every student he touched. He brought golf, and all the lessons golf teaches, to the North End. And, in the summer, he had members of the swim team teach the younger kids in the neighborhood how to swim, which taught his swim team members how to give back to the community.”
During the evening of Feb. 22, Robert Jenkins Jr. took pride in sharing stories about young people who were coached and mentored by his father across multiple decades that went on to become “doctors, educators, business leaders, and parents” that have made positive contributions to the city of Detroit.
Robert Jenkins Jr. also described some of the friendly interactions that his dad had with notable people like U.S. Olympic sprint champion Wilma Rudolph and Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer Dick Barnett at Tennessee State University, where the elder Jenkins received the education and training that he needed to teach and coach student-athletes in Detroit.
But earlier that day, an equally compelling “Fish” story was told by another community member.
“Mr. Jenkins was a very important person in my life and he is one of the reasons why I have always tried to do my part when it comes to providing opportunities for young people in our city,” said Gary Peterson, who has coached young swimmers in Detroit for 47 years, including at Detroit’s King High School, where he coaches boys and girls swimmers today.
Long before Peterson coached high school swimmers — and youth swimmers of virtually all ages when he was a full-time swimming instructor for the city of Detroit’s Recreation Department — Peterson was on the swim team at King High School (Class of 1974), when Robert Jenkins Sr. came into his life.
“There were coaches at other schools that helped young swimmers that wanted to improve and go to another level, and Mr. Jenkins was one of those coaches,” said Peterson, who was coached at King High School by Clyde James, a lifelong friend and teammate of Jenkins on the Tennessee State University swimming team during the late 1950s and early 1960s, when they brought national attention to the school’s swimming program.
“Mr. Jenkins would make his pool at Northern available to students from other schools that wanted to get in extra practice. Then, as I got closer to going to college, Mr. Jenkins was the person who introduced me to the colleges that were recruiting Black high school swimmers.
“At that time, there were more than 20 HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) that had competitive swimming programs. Today, there is only one (Howard University in Washington, DC). But back then, Mr. Jenkins wanted to make sure we had the opportunities and exposure, which included sending a small group of us to South Carolina State for a recruiting trip.
“Afterwards, Mr. Jenkins even came over to King from Northern to present me with my scholarship to South Carolina State, while I was sitting in a King classroom. I couldn’t believe it and I was ecstatic, but everything that he did for me and other young swimmers in the city he did so willingly. And that’s what I always thought I was supposed to do as a coach.”
Peterson said he would do even more with Jenkins when Peterson returned to Detroit from Orangeburg, South Carolina, after graduating from college.
“In the late 1980s, a team I was coaching at Johnson Recreation Center and Mr. Jenkins’ team at Northern, traveled to Washington DC as one team in February to compete in the Black History Invitational Swim Meet. And that tradition of Detroit competing as one team at that meet continued every year until COVID,” said Peterson, who also recalled that Jenkins coached softball and even junior varsity football for a time, in addition to swimming, golf and soccer.
“Just as Mr. Jenkins thought it was critical for us to come together and take our kids to DC for that swim meet because it was the biggest showcase for Black swimmers, he wanted all the young people he coached to have good training and exposure. And in my case, as the son of sharecroppers, I can say that Mr. Jenkins inspired me as well, as a swimmer and a coach.”
Every time Peterson walks into King High to coach the current group of swimmers at the school, he said he is reminded of Jenkins and other important people that paved the way for Black swimmers in Detroit.
For example, in 2023, the natatorium at King was rededicated as the Clyde James Natatorium by the Detroit Public Schools Community District. Peterson says the renaming was not only a salute to James, who was a finalist in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics Championships in the 100-yard butterfly during the 1960-61 season while swimming for Tennessee State, but also a tribute to the fabled swimming program that was once housed at the Brewster Recreation Center, which helped to develop James, Jenkins and many other Detroit swimmers that competed nationally. Brewster’s early swimming program was led by the legendary Clarence Gatliff, an all-city swimmer at Cass Tech during the 1920s.
Another pleasant reminder of the history and evolution of Black swimmers in Detroit that Peterson sees when inside King High is 54-year-old Robert Jenkins Jr., an educator like his father, who is teaching personal finance this school year at King and hopes to honor his father’s legacy this summer by offering a swimming and golf program to students.
“I want to make sure that Detroiters understand my father’s legacy,” said Jenkins, a 1989 graduate of Northern High School, who explained that his father and mother (Norma Jean Jenkins) taught him and his sister (Dr. Marlo Rencher) that “we don’t half do anything.”
And that includes community service.
“My father was a servant leader and he would offer encouragement to any young person he was around, not just the students he coached. And paying it (that support) forward was a lesson he always taught in the process.”
Scott Talley is a native Detroiter, a proud product of Detroit Public Schools and a lifelong lover of Detroit culture in its diverse forms. In his second tour with the Free Press, which he grew up reading as a child, he is excited and humbled to cover the city’s neighborhoods and the many interesting people who define its various communities. Contact him at stalley@freepress.com or follow him on Twitter @STalleyfreep. Read more of Scott’s stories at www.freep.com/mosaic/detroit-is/. Please help us grow great community-focused journalism by becoming a subscriber.
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