EV Jobs at Risk Under Trump’s Policies

President Trump is making headlines again—this time for rolling back federal support for electric vehicles (EVs). His executive orders aim to eliminate tax credits, halt funding for charging infrastructure, and loosen emissions regulations. While framed as a rejection of Biden-era green policies, these moves aren’t just about ideology—they’re about real-world consequences. And here’s the twist: many of the communities set to lose the most are in Republican-leaning states that have been banking on EV investments to fuel their economies.

Take Kentucky, for example. The BlueOval SK facility near Elizabethtown—a $5.6 billion project—is a shining example of how EV manufacturing can transform small towns. It promises 5,500 jobs and has already sparked a local boom, with new housing developments, restaurants, and businesses popping up seemingly overnight. For places like Elizabethtown, this isn’t just an investment; it’s hope for the future.

But now, that future feels uncertain.

The Reality Check: Jobs, Investments, and Red-State Politics

1. Economic Stakes Are Sky-High

Since the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) passed, the U.S. has seen a surge in EV-related projects. To date, 208 facilities have been announced, representing a staggering $198 billion in investments—and guess what? Most of them are in red states. From Tennessee to Texas, these projects are creating jobs and revitalizing communities.

Kentucky’s BlueOval SK plant is a case study in progress. Mayor Jeff Gregory of Elizabethtown has been vocal about how much his town depends on this investment. “These aren’t just numbers on a page,” he says. “This is our community’s livelihood.” If federal support dries up, it won’t just hurt automakers—it’ll leave workers and businesses high and dry.

And then there’s the consumer side. Repealing EV tax credits could slash EV sales by 27%, according to industry analysts. That means higher costs for drivers and fewer options for eco-conscious buyers. It’s a lose-lose scenario.

2. A Political Dilemma for GOP Lawmakers

Here’s where things get tricky for Republicans in Congress. Around 83% of EV-related investments are in districts represented by GOP lawmakers. So, do they side with Trump’s anti-EV stance, or do they fight to protect the jobs and industries driving their hometown economies?

For lawmakers like Kentucky Senator Mitch McConnell, this isn’t just a policy debate—it’s personal. The BlueOval SK plant is a crown jewel of economic development in his state, and opposing it would be political suicide. But supporting it might mean crossing party lines. Talk about being stuck between a rock and a hard place.

The Bigger Picture: Global Competition and Worker Concerns

1. Falling Behind in the Green Race

The global EV market is booming, projected to reach $2 trillion in value over the next decade. Without federal support, U.S. automakers risk losing ground to China, which is aggressively investing in green tech. Former Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm warns that this could weaken America’s standing in the global EV market. “We’re handing China the keys to the future,” she says. Ouch.

2. Workers Push Back

It’s not just about money and markets—workers on the frontlines are raising concerns too. At the BlueOval SK plant, employees are pushing for unionization to ensure safe working conditions during battery production. This highlights the challenges of transitioning to a new industry: while the potential is huge, so are the risks if proper safeguards aren’t in place.

Uncertainty Ahead: Legal Battles and Market Chaos

Legal challenges to Trump’s orders are almost guaranteed. Automakers, unions, and environmental groups are likely to sue, arguing that these rollbacks undermine critical investments and violate existing agreements. But even before courts weigh in, the uncertainty could wreak havoc. Projects may stall, planning could grind to a halt, and costs could skyrocket—all at a time when the U.S. needs stability more than ever.

The Takeaway: Will Washington Listen to Main Street?

Trump’s EV rollback isn’t just a policy shift—it’s a gamble with far-reaching consequences. For workers in Kentucky, business owners in Tennessee, and families across red-state America, these investments represent hope for a brighter future. But as political decisions clash with local economic realities, one question looms large: will Washington listen to the voices of communities like Elizabethtown?

Because let’s be clear: this isn’t just about cars—it’s about jobs, competitiveness, and the kind of country we want to build. And right now, the stakes couldn’t be higher.

Sources & Fact-Check

• Center for Automotive Research (CAR), 2024 : Reports on the $198 billion in EV and battery manufacturing investments since the Inflation Reduction Act

• Elizabethtown News : Highlights local economic growth tied to the BlueOval SK facility and statements from Mayor Jeff Gregory

• BloombergNEF, January 2025 : Analyzes the impact of repealing EV tax credits, projecting a 27% drop in EV sales

• Former Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm Interview : Warns of U.S. falling behind China in the global EV market

• Reuters : Covers worker unionization efforts and safety concerns in EV battery production

• Politico : Explores the political dilemma facing GOP lawmakers amid Trump’s EV rollback