American Auto Workers Respond: "Mr. Trump, We're Already Here!"

In a powerful and direct rebuttal to then-presidential candidate Donald Trump's assertions about companies shipping jobs overseas and the need to 'train Americans,' the dedicated workforce at Hyundai's expansive manufacturing plant in Montgomery, Alabama, delivered a clear message: "We're already here." These loyal American employees, the backbone of a significant U.S.

automotive operation, took a stand to highlight their critical role in the nation's economy and manufacturing landscape.

Trump had frequently criticized major corporations, including specific mentions of foreign automakers like Hyundai and Kia, for their perceived lack of investment in American jobs.

His rhetoric often painted a picture of a nation losing its industrial might, with calls for companies to "stay" and to focus on developing American talent. However, this narrative starkly contrasted with the reality on the ground in places like Montgomery, where thousands of Americans were already diligently building world-class vehicles.

The Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama (HMMA) plant stands as a testament to substantial foreign investment in the U.S.

economy. Since its inauguration, the facility has seen investments soaring past $1.7 billion, creating a robust ecosystem of employment. Directly, HMMA employs nearly 3,000 Americans, who are responsible for the meticulous assembly of popular models such as the Sonata sedan and Elantra compact car. Beyond direct employment, the plant supports an estimated 4,500 additional jobs through its extensive network of suppliers and ancillary services, generating a massive economic ripple effect across the state.

The workers, many of whom are members of UAW Local 2085, expressed a collective sentiment of pride and a degree of frustration at being overlooked or mischaracterized.

Their message was not just a defense of their jobs, but a proactive declaration of their identity and contribution. They emphasized that they are indeed "loyal American workers," fully committed to their craft and to producing high-quality automobiles for the domestic and international markets. The idea that Hyundai needed to be convinced to 'stay' or 'train Americans' felt incongruous when they were demonstrably doing precisely that, day in and day out.

This episode underscored a broader tension during the political discourse: the gap between campaign rhetoric and the nuanced realities of the American manufacturing sector.

For the Hyundai workers in Alabama, their response was a poignant reminder that American jobs in the auto industry were not a concept to be created, but a thriving reality that deserved recognition and respect. Their voice served as a powerful testament to the ongoing strength and dedication of the American workforce, proudly building cars right on U.S.

soil.