Gov. McMaster, officials respond to criticism of BMW made by White House official
GREENVILLE, S.C. (FOX Carolina) - South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster and other officials are reacting to the comments made by White House Trade Advisor Peter Navarro criticizing BMW’s business model.
Navarro made some comments stating Americans assemble German engines and Austrian transmissions. He went on to mention it doesn’t work for America and it is bade for national security.
BMW released a statement on Tuesday following his comments and mentioned they employ 11,000 workers and have invested $14.8 billion in the Upstate.
RELATED: BMW Spartanburg responds to White House official comments on business model
Gov. McMaster defended BMW against the recent criticism saying since BMW arrived they have sent out word that South Carolina is a great manufacturing state.
“Since they’ve arrived, others have followed they have sent the word out around the world that this is a great manufacturing state they trust our people,” said McMaster. “I think we have 11,000 people working three now, that’s a lot of families making a lot of money.”
On Wednesday, Spartanburg County Councilman David Britt responded to the criticism:
“When I call, you know Peter Navarro having voodoo economics. And remember I said he was the chief counselor for President Trump for trade and manufacturing. He knows nothing about manufacturing. Does he think that here at Tyndall that we make the steel? We’re not in, in the economy of of 1972. We live in a worldwide global, you know, supply chain.”
Senator Tim Scott also issued the following statement:
“I’m committed to supporting President Trump’s America First agenda and ensuring our trading partners aren’t taking advantage of us. The truth is simple: the men and women of South Carolina are some of the smartest and hardest working people in the world. This is why BMW has chosen to invest billions of dollars in the Upstate, which has a significant positive economic impact on the state of South Carolina and our nation. Any suggestions to the contrary are ridiculous.”
Senator Lindsey Graham made a statement on the social media platform X regarding the comments:
BMW has been in South Carolina for over 30 years and has proven to be one of the best corporate citizens in our state.
— Lindsey Graham (@LindseyGrahamSC) April 8, 2025
Their presence is a major benefit to the South Carolina economy and it is much appreciated.
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