U.S. voters made their voices heard on Tuesday, reelecting Donald Trump as the 47th president.
The manufacturing industry won’t know its future until Trump begins his second term in January 2025. Nevertheless, the industry will have to work with his administration to continue growing domestic manufacturing.
Trump spoke multiple times during his campaign about how he aims to expand U.S. manufacturing, touching on topics including workforce development, tariffs and legislation such as the Inflation Reduction Act and the CHIPS and Science Act.
Here are what industry leaders are saying about Trump’s re-election.
National Association of Manufacturers President and CEO Jay Timmons
“Every election represents a new beginning, providing a fresh opportunity to work with and for all Americans, no matter their political affiliation, and to recommit ourselves to the American experiment. President-elect Trump, we have worked with you during your time in office to enact historic wins for the 13 million people who make things in America, to drive increased investment in the sector, create jobs and provide for communities across the country. Now it’s time to get to work to address the policies that will define your administration.
“But we are facing monumental headwinds today, and sector optimism is at its lowest levels in years. The cost of business continues to increase. From health care to looming tax hikes, and aggressive agency overreach, the policies of today are keeping shovels out of the ground. We believe that we can build on the successes of our previous work together to roll back burdensome regulations, unleash American energy security, power the economy of the future with an all-of-the-above energy strategy and restore the dignity of manufacturing work.
Alliance for American Manufacturing President Scott Paul
“We hope that American manufacturing jobs will be a priority for the Trump-Vance administration in 2025 and beyond. That means a continued strategic application of tariffs; smart investments in industry, innovation, and infrastructure; expanding Buy America procurement policies and tax rules to spur domestic production; and boosting apprenticeships and worker training programs.
Women in Manufacturing Association President and founder Allison Grealis
“Women in Manufacturing congratulates President-elect Trump and looks forward to working collaboratively with his administration to foster growth, innovation, and a robust skilled workforce for the U.S. manufacturing sector. As we look to the future, WiM is committed to advancing opportunities for women and supporting a vibrant manufacturing industry that creates meaningful careers and drives economic strength.”
Association of Equipment Manufacturers President Megan Tanel
“AEM’s focus continues to be on policy — not politics. We look forward to working with the Trump-Vance administration and leaders on both sides of the aisle to advance pro-manufacturing tax policies, strengthen rural America, ease regulatory burdens, negotiate new trade agreements, and solve the immigration crisis. Together, we can advance a policy agenda that helps equipment manufacturers create jobs, invest in their communities, and build equipment that makes life better for everyone.”
Aerospace Industries Association President and CEO Eric Fanning
“Our nation’s greatest achievements — from putting man on the moon to breaking the sound barrier – are the result of the powerful alliance between industry and government. As we embark on a new chapter in our history, we look forward to collaborating closely with the new Administration and 119th Congress to enhance this partnership. In the face of geopolitical turbulence and strong economic headwinds, our priorities remain steadfast: supporting American leadership in aerospace and defense; igniting innovation and job creation; and strengthening our national security. Together, we will reach new heights.”
E2 Executive Director Bob Keefe
“The people have chosen Donald Trump to bring our country together after this highly contentious election. With America at the advent of an economic revolution powered by the unprecedented recent growth in clean energy, he has the chance to continue making America more competitive, rebuilding our manufacturing industry and strengthening our economy.
“Now is the time to put politics and partisanship aside, and work together to continue building on the record clean energy investments, jobs and economic opportunities flowing to Republican and Democratic states alike.”
National Retail Federation President and CEO Matthew Shay
“Effective trade policies will increase America’s competitive advantages in research, development and innovation and will protect strategically critical infrastructure while increasing the standard of living and quality of life for all Americans. However, the adoption of across-the-board tariffs on consumer goods and other non-strategic imports amounts to a tax on American families. It will drive inflation and price increases and will result in job losses.“The retail industry stands ready to work with President-elect Trump and Congress to enact tax, trade and regulatory policies that make America more competitive, increase domestic investment and create jobs.”
Society of Chemical Manufacturers & Affiliates President and CEO Jennifer Abril
“In recent years, our industry has made substantial investments in capital, talent, and facilities, preparing to meet rising demand both domestically and internationally. The next administration’s emphasis on onshoring and nearshoring—initiatives that gained momentum amid COVID-19-related supply chain disruptions—reinforces the importance of a resilient and secure domestic supply chain. By bringing operations closer to North American consumers, we not only reduce dependency on foreign suppliers but also foster job creation, innovation, and economic growth here at home.
“To fully realize the growth potential of the specialty chemical industry, we urge the Trump administration to prioritize policies that foster innovation, streamline regulatory processes, and encourage domestic manufacturing. A stable regulatory environment allows companies to make strategic investments and respond quickly to changing demands. Additionally, an R&D-focused tax code is critical to sustaining innovation, while trade policies that address tariffs and global competition will help U.S. companies thrive in the international market. At the same time, workforce challenges persist, including shortages in skilled labor. Investments in employee training, safety practices, and modernization will be crucial to meeting these challenges and ensuring a capable workforce.”
Fabricators and Manufacturers Association SVP Mark Hoper
“By in large, our constituency is thrilled with the outcome of the Presidential, Senate, and House races last night. Lower taxes, less redundant regulation, stronger monetary policy, inflation reduction, an eye on China and making sure we don’t give away the US’s competitive advantages.”
Zero Emission Transportation Association
“The electric vehicle industry stands ready to work with President-elect Donald Trump, Congressional Republicans, Democrats, Independents, and all groups that want to ensure our nation’s innovation and economic competitiveness remain the best in the world. The next four years are critical to ensuring that these technologies are developed and deployed by American workers in American factories for generations – a goal that unites every state regardless of their electoral college votes.”
“We encourage members of both parties to support policies that provide business and trade certainty so that EV manufacturers up and down the supply chain can unleash the next chapter of American automotive dominance. The United States’ global competitiveness depends on it.”
Editor’s note: This story has been updated to include a statement from the Women in Manufacturing Association.
