Vance Warns of Steep Tariffs for Companies Shifting US Jobs Overseas or Replacing Citizens

Addressing a Republican midterm election rally in Lima, Ohio, Vance said businesses expanding production and employing American citizens would be rewarded, while those shifting jobs abroad or relocating factories could face penalties.

“If you’re making things in America and you’re employing American citizens to do it, great. We’re gonna give you a big fat tax cut and we’re gonna reward you for building and expanding production,” Vance told supporters.

“But if you’re sending American jobs overseas, if you’re trying to ship your factory to a foreign corporation or you’re trying to replace American workers with a legal immigrant later, you know what you’re gonna get? A big fat tariff,” he said.

Vance did not announce a specific tariff measure targeting employers who hire legal immigrants, identify the companies that could be affected or explain how such a penalty would be implemented. His remarks nevertheless signalled the administration’s emphasis on prioritising American citizens in employment and discouraging businesses from shifting production abroad.

Drawing on his upbringing in Middletown, Ohio, Vance recalled the closure of factories and the difficulties faced by families after workers lost their jobs.

“I know what it does to families when mom or dad loses their job,” he said, adding that the administration would continue to fight for American workers.

Vance also claimed that the administration’s economic policies had attracted trillions of dollars in investment and generated manufacturing employment. He cited planned investments in Ohio by automobile, aerospace and pharmaceutical companies, including a $400 million investment by Stellantis, an $850 million aerospace project and a $2.2 billion pharmaceutical manufacturing investment.

The Vice President criticised Democrats over immigration and employment policies, accusing the previous Biden administration of allowing illegal immigration to undermine wages and job opportunities for American workers.

The rally was part of the broader Republican campaign ahead of the midterm elections. Vance voiced support for Republican candidates, including Indian-American entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, who is running for Ohio governor, and Senator Jon Husted.