Trump Wins Over Lifelong Democrat Autoworker With Vehicle-Loan Tax Credit
President Donald Trump introduced Michigan-based autoworker James Benson—a lifelong Democrat—during a White House event on the “One Big Beautiful Bill.” Benson, a third-generation Ford employee of 26 years, now supports Trump after the bill included a new tax deduction on interest for loans taken out on U.S.-assembled vehicles.
Trump highlighted that under the proposed legislation, American car buyers could deduct up to $10,000 in auto-loan interest per year, provided the vehicle is assembled domestically and the taxpayer’s adjusted gross income does not exceed $100,000. He noted that this benefit directly supports American manufacturing workers like Benson.
Benson, standing behind the president, said the tax deduction changed his perspective and political loyalty.
“I was a Democrat all my life until this,” he said. Trump emphasized that the deduction would reward U.S. plants and incentivize domestic auto production: “If it’s made someplace else, we don’t care.”
The deduction is part of a broader reconciliation package that also includes extending the 2017 tax cuts, eliminating taxes on tips and overtime, and expanding benefits for retirees. The legislation bypasses the Senate filibuster under budget rules, but must still pass both chambers and be signed into law.
Trump and Republican leaders are pushing for passage before the Fourth of July, calling it a win for working families and U.S. industry.
With input from Fox News
