Ford Motors Fires Back at the Media Blaming Trump Tariffs for Layoffs source westernjournal Multiple media reports have blamed Ford’s latest announcement of layoffs on President Donald Trump’s tariffs. A Ford spokesperson told Watchdog.org, however, that this is a mischaracterization. The latest job reduction will be for salaried employees, not manufacturing employees, and is a restructuring unrelated to the tariffs. “The reports you have read about our organization redesign work being related to external forces such as tariffs are incorrect,” Ford Motor Company spokesperson Karen Hampton told Watchdog.org. “This is a global effort and not specific to the U.S.,” she added. “We began this effort recently as part of our CEO’s work to make us a faster, more nimble, more innovative company.” Hampton said she wished that everyone in the media had reached out to Ford before publishing their articles. The change is intended “to support the company’s strategic objectives, create a more dynamic and empowering work environment, and become more fit as a business.” “To the Trump Administration’s credit, they have made as a stated goal eliminating tariffs and subsidies and other barriers to worldwide free trade,” LaFaive said.