Audi CEO faces backlash after Trump rally appearance

Audi CEO Gernot Döllner has ignited a political and union firestorm in Germany after appearing alongside Donald Trump at a campaign rally in Georgia to announce a $4 billion investment in the company's first U.S. factory. The plant, near Macon, will produce up to 200,000 luxury SUVs annually and create roughly 4,500 jobs, with construction slated to begin in 2027 Source: ABC. Trump presented the decision as a victory for his tariff policies, which Audi says cost it €1.2 billion last year Source: Milenio.

Political and union backlash

German politicians and union leaders have condemned Döllner's appearance as a breach of Audi's internal code of conduct, which mandates political neutrality in the three months before an election Source: clarin. IG Metall president Christiane Benner called the act "profoundly shameful" and "politically unacceptable" Source: ABC. Social Democrat MP Isabel Cademartori accused Döllner of providing "electoral help to an autocrat" Source: El Mundo (ES).

Disagreements over authorization

Sources disagree on whether Döllner violated company rules. ABC reports that the CEO breached Audi's own guidelines, while Milenio cites a source claiming the board authorized an exception to the code of conduct before the event Source: Milenio. The Süddeutsche Zeitung notes the rule prohibits public appearances with political parties or candidates in the three months prior to an election Source: clarin.

Strategic context

Audi currently relies on imports from Europe and Mexico, making it vulnerable to U.S. tariffs. The new plant is intended to reduce that exposure and strengthen its competitive position Source: La República (CO). The investment still requires approval from Volkswagen's supervisory board, which includes union representatives Source: ABC. Döllner has stated the decision is "not against Germany" and that Audi remains committed to its European base Source: La Vanguardia.