Trump hails ‘booming investment’ in Detroit while auto manufacturing jobs have fallen every month since Liberation Day

Core Insights - The U.S. manufacturing sector is experiencing a paradox where economic growth is occurring without a corresponding increase in employment, particularly in the automotive industry [1][2][3] Investment and Economic Growth - President Trump highlighted an $18 trillion global investment surge and a stock market that has set 48 records in eleven months, claiming that growth, productivity, and investment are booming [3] - Significant commitments from major automotive companies include $5 billion from Ford, $13 billion from Stellantis, and a large re-shoring effort from General Motors, contributing to over $70 billion in new investment in U.S. auto factories [3] Employment Trends - Despite the influx of investment, the manufacturing sector has lost approximately 72,000 jobs since April, with the automotive sector experiencing the most significant losses [2][3] - The disconnect between GDP growth, projected at 5.4% for the fourth quarter, and blue-collar employment is creating a "jobless boom" scenario [3] Structural Challenges - The manufacturing environment is characterized by uncertainty, with tariffs raising input costs and complicating long-term investment decisions [4] - Tariffs on motor vehicle parts, along with aluminum and steel duties, have made domestic car production more expensive than importing vehicles, leading to a reliance on automated processes in new factories [4]