Whirlpool Cuts 481 Iowa Jobs After Trump Tariff Promises

The U.S. appliance maker is shifting production to Mexico, despite earlier pledges to boost domestic manufacturing.

Mar. 3, 2026 at 4:22pm

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Whirlpool, the largest U.S. appliance manufacturer, is cutting 481 jobs at its Iowa plant, despite promises made to President Trump in 2018 to increase American manufacturing in exchange for his imposed tariffs. The company is now shifting production to Mexico, leaving workers in the lurch and raising questions about the effectiveness of Trump's trade policies.

Why it matters

Whirlpool's decision to offshore jobs after touting its commitment to U.S. manufacturing undermines Trump's claims that his trade war and tariffs would revitalize American industry. It also highlights the challenges facing the manufacturing sector, which has seen thousands of job losses in recent years despite the president's promises of a 'golden age' for factories.

The details

In 2020, Trump visited a Whirlpool plant in Ohio, where he praised the company for using the 'Made in America' label. Whirlpool had promised in 2018 that, in exchange for tariffs, it would increase manufacturing in the U.S. However, by 2019 consumers were bearing the brunt of the tax increases, and while the tariffs did lead to some new jobs, researchers estimate the cost was around $817,000 per position. Now, Whirlpool is shifting 481 jobs from its Iowa facility to Mexico, leaving workers without jobs.

  • In 2018, Whirlpool promised to increase U.S. manufacturing in exchange for tariffs imposed by President Trump.
  • In 2020, Trump visited a Whirlpool plant in Ohio and touted the company's 'Made in America' label.
  • In 2019, consumers were paying higher prices due to the tariffs, according to the Wall Street Journal.
  • In 2025, there were 108,000 manufacturing job losses in the U.S., and the downward trend continued into 2026.

The players

Whirlpool

The largest appliance manufacturer in the U.S. that is now shifting production to Mexico and laying off hundreds of workers in Iowa.

President Donald Trump

The former U.S. president who imposed tariffs and touted Whirlpool's commitment to American manufacturing, only to see the company renege on its promises.

International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers

The union that represents the workers at Whirlpool's Iowa plant who are now losing their jobs.

Joseph Stiglitz

A Nobel prize-winning economist who recently commented that the U.S. economy is 'not great right now' and is likely to get worse.

Cato Institute

A think tank that reported 108,000 manufacturing job losses in the U.S. in 2025, with the downward trend continuing into 2026.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

The takeaway

Whirlpool's decision to offshore jobs after touting its commitment to U.S. manufacturing undermines President Trump's claims that his trade war and tariffs would revitalize American industry. It highlights the ongoing challenges facing the manufacturing sector, which has seen thousands of job losses in recent years despite the president's promises of a 'golden age' for factories.