President Trump: 'General Motors Must Get Their Lordstown Plant Open'
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LORDSTOWN, Ohio (KDKA/AP) -- President Donald Trump is calling on General Motors to reopen their recently closed plant in Lordstown, Ohio.
The plant was idled in early March after more than 50 years. The plant produced Chevy Cruze vehicles.
Nearly 1,700 hourly positions are being eliminated with the plant's closure.
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine has said it seems clear that GM doesn't plan to make a new line of vehicles at the Lordstown assembly plant, but Trump tweeted Saturday that the company should get the plant back open.
"Because the economy is so good, General Motors must get their Lordstown, Ohio, plant open, maybe in a different form or with a new owner, FAST!" Trump said.
Because the economy is so good, General Motors must get their Lordstown, Ohio, plant open, maybe in a different form or with a new owner, FAST! Toyota is investing 13.5 $Billion in U.S., others likewise. G.M. MUST ACT QUICKLY. Time is of the essence!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 16, 2019
The president tweeted again on Sunday, saying, "I want action on Lordstown fast."
Democrat UAW Local 1112 President David Green ought to get his act together and produce. G.M. let our Country down, but other much better car companies are coming into the U.S. in droves. I want action on Lordstown fast. Stop complaining and get the job done! 3.8% Unemployment!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 17, 2019
Later Sunday evening, Trump said he had spoken to Mary Barra, the CEO of General Motors, and asked her to sell the plant or "do something quickly."
Just spoke to Mary Barra, CEO of General Motors about the Lordstown Ohio plant. I am not happy that it is closed when everything else in our Country is BOOMING. I asked her to sell it or do something quickly. She blamed the UAW Union — I don't care, I just want it open!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 17, 2019
General Motors said in a statement released Sunday evening that the future of plants scheduled to be closed "will be resolved between GM and the UAW," referring to the United Auto Workers union. The automaker also says that it has "opportunities available for virtually all impacted employees" at plants that are to be shuttered.
"We remain open to talking with all the affected stakeholders, but our main focus remains on our employees and offering them jobs in our plants where we have growth opportunities," the company said.
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DeWine told The Vindicator in Youngstown that GM has indicated it's talking with another company about using the site.
The governor says GM isn't saying who it's talking with and that the state is ready to help bring jobs back to the plant once it knows more details.
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