It is difficult to fathom any CEO in the United States who appreciates the tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump more than Marc Bitzer does. Bitzer serves as the CEO of Whirlpool Corp., the primary appliance company manufacturing the majority of its products in the U.S.
During an event at one of the company’s facilities in Clyde, Ohio, which has the capacity to produce 22,000 washing machines daily, Bitzer unveiled Whirlpool’s intentions to construct a new $60 million US facility in Perrysburg, creating 150 job opportunities.
Bitzer expressed that previously, Whirlpool felt disadvantaged against its primarily Asia-based competitors due to their use of low-cost, subsidized steel and other materials for manufacturing. He likened the experience to fighting in a boxing match with one arm tied behind his back against three opponents.
The implementation of the Trump administration’s comprehensive global tariff system has provided the nation with a chance to revitalize U.S. manufacturing, according to Bitzer. This perspective stands in contrast to the experiences of many Americans grappling with increased expenses resulting partly from Trump’s trade policies.
“Tariffs establish fair competition, which is significant,” remarked Bitzer, earning applause from the audience comprising plant employees and government officials.
The White House is actively highlighting success stories of U.S. manufacturers benefiting from tariffs. This initiative led U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, a member of the Trump administration, to embark on a two-day tour of factories in Ohio and Michigan, including the Whirlpool facility.
‘Tariffs on all that crap from China’
CBC News accompanied Greer on his tour, which included visits to a company near Detroit specializing in drone production and the largest U.S. solar energy system manufacturer in Toledo, Ohio.
“Under previous presidents, the role of the U.S. trade representative typically involved striking trade deals to import goods from China,” Greer remarked at Whirlpool. “Under President Trump, the focus is on imposing tariffs on Chinese imports.”
Following Bitzer’s commendation of the Trump administration’s tariff strategies, Greer lauded Whirlpool for its enduring commitment to domestic manufacturing of washing machines, dryers, refrigerators, and more.
Greer’s tour unveiled a common thread: the visited companies were already engaged in “Made in America” manufacturing before Trump initiated his tariff-supported global trade conflict in 2025.
Ultimate goal is more U.S. manufacturing
At every tour stop, Greer presented the administration’s tariff approach. Unlike Trump’s varied reasons for imposing or threatening tariffs, Greer consistently articulated a rationale emphasizing the augmentation of U.S. manufacturing.
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