"Tariffs are a measure to alleviate the job losses that have plagued America for the last 33 years," Fain stated on ABC News' "This Week," alluding to the North American Free Trade Agreement's introduction in 1992. "Tariffs aren't a complete solution, but they play a significant role in addressing the issue."

The auto tariffs for companies complying with the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) are stalled until April 2, following Trump's conversation with leaders from General Motors, Ford Motor, and Stellantis.

This April 2 delay coincides with the implementation of wider 25% tariffs on goods coming from Canada and Mexico, consistent with Trump's automotive tariffs affecting imports from outside North America.

Fain mentioned that while he has not directly engaged with Trump, he is "collaborating with his team."

Earlier this week, the union published a statement praising the tariffs and emphasized that it is the responsibility of companies to manage any potential additional expenses.

After endorsing then-Vice President Kamala Harris, the union declared it is in "active discussions with the Trump administration regarding their plans to rectify the free trade crisis."

"We are pleased to see a U.S. president take decisive steps to mitigate the free trade crisis that has severely impacted the working class," the union asserted Tuesday. "There's been considerable discussion that these tariffs might 'disrupt' the economy. However, if corporate America opts to overcharge the American consumer or exploit the American worker rather than contribute their share, then corporate America must be held responsible for that choice."

Fain stands as one of the few prominent backers of Trump's tariffs among automotive leaders. Other auto executives and trade organizations have criticized the tariffs, labeling them as sources of unnecessary disruption and added expenses for the industry.

"President Trump has frequently articulated the goal of strengthening our U.S. auto industry, increasing domestic production and fostering innovation. If his administration can achieve this, it could represent one of ... its most noteworthy accomplishments," said Ford CEO Jim Farley last month. "Currently, we are witnessing substantial costs and significant disruptions."

Previously, Fain condemned the North American Free Trade Agreement, now replaced by Trump's USMCA trade deal since 2020, arguing that such agreements have resulted in job and manufacturing losses.

Since his election in 2023, Fain and Trump have exchanged barbs publicly. During a speech at the Republican National Convention last year, Trump called for Fain's removal.

Despite his previous harsh statements, referring to Trump as a "scab" and a billionaire unconcerned with American workers, Fain's comments on Trump seem to reflect a change in tone.

"The election has concluded. Donald Trump is president, and we want to proceed to address the issues plaguing this nation and our economy," Fain expressed. "The American populace expects this from us; they anticipate leaders who will step up and lead rather than remain passive."

The UAW is still under federal oversight due to a lengthy investigation into the union regarding embezzlement, bribery, and other offenses prior to Fain's election, leading to multiple convictions of union officials and Fiat Chrysler executives, including two former union presidents.

In a report last year, federal monitor Neil Barofsky revealed that Fain and other union leaders were being investigated for allegedly obstructing the inquiry and hindering access to important information.

In January, the monitor's office announced that it would share further updates on its investigatory activities in a future report.