In Jeffersonville, Ohio, a town of 1,200 people located 40 minutes south-west of Columbus, a row of previously vacant storefronts is undergoing renovations. Local efforts are being made to improve the downtown area and pave streets in anticipation of economic growth linked to a new electric vehicle battery manufacturing plant being built nearby. The facility, which is a joint investment of $3.5 billion by LG Energy Solution and Honda, is expected to begin production soon and aims to employ around 2,200 workers over time. Currently, hundreds are already working on its construction, with 525 hired for engineering and manufacturing roles.
However, there are rising concerns among residents regarding the economic impact of recent U.S. policies. Actions taken during the Trump administration, such as tariff adjustments and changes to clean vehicle tax credits, are leading some multinational companies to reconsider future investments. This uncertainty is particularly pronounced in small towns like Jeffersonville. Additionally, an ICE raid at a nearby plant in Georgia that resulted in the detention of over 300 workers has alarmed the local community and corporate leaders.
Some residents express worries about the potential for construction delays or project stoppages, citing the number of out-of-state workers involved rather than local hires. There is also growing concern that the effects of tariffs could harm local economies, as reflected in recent polling showing a decline in approval for Trump among rural voters.
The situation in Jeffersonville is reflective of broader trends across the Midwest, where automotive manufacturers face challenges from tariffs. For instance, Toyota in Kentucky has warned of significant financial hits due to these measures. As companies navigate these economic shifts, local community members are left questioning the long-term implications and viability of current initiatives.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/nov/02/trump-economic-agenda-republican-heartland-tariffs