Presidential candidates from both parties campaigned heavily on trade and manufacturing in 2016. Voters responded tonight with the election of Donald Trump, who articulated a message on trade that resonated with a significant bloc of voters.
Said Alliance for American Manufacturing (AAM) President Scott Paul:
"We congratulate President-elect Donald Trump for a successful campaign, and for articulating a vision of a stronger economy with manufacturing at the center of a strategy to rebuild the middle class.
“Our nation has long been supported by our country’s makers and we look forward to working with the new administration and Members of Congress as we turn manufacturing and reasonable trade enforcement promises into reality.
“One of the most defining themes of this election was the economic pain felt by some voters, particularly those within the working middle-class. Communities across America felt left behind as manufacturing jobs disappeared and no single election cycle can erase that. As President-elect Trump prepares to take office, the question becomes how best to restore the American dream for our working people – and that path, for many, lies in the heart of a resurgent manufacturing sector.
“President-elect Trump and Congress must come together on much needed investment that will put Americans to work building and repairing our nation’s crumbling infrastructure. Stronger trade enforcement to address China’s massive overcapacity and a crackdown on countries trying to circumvent U.S. trade laws can boost manufacturing jobs.
"Factory workers were more than a prop in this election. Now's the time to deliver for them."