In the early days of Donald Trump’s second term, his administration’s aggressive push against climate-friendly policies is already rippling through the automotive industry, driving up costs for consumers regardless of whether they drive electric vehicles (EVs) or traditional gas-powered cars. Policies aimed at dismantling fuel efficiency standards and EV incentives are not only stalling environmental progress but also inflating the price of vehicle ownership, from purchase prices to long-term fuel and maintenance expenses.

According to a recent article in WIRED, Trump’s anti-climate agenda is making it more expensive to own a car, period. The piece highlights how the president’s disdain for EVs and efficiency regulations is paradoxically increasing costs for gas vehicles as well, through weakened standards that lead to higher fuel consumption and operational inefficiencies.

The Assault on Efficiency Standards

The Trump administration has moved swiftly to rollback Biden-era fuel economy rules, which mandated an average of 50.4 miles per gallon by certain model years. Transportation Secretary Duffy has criticized these as ‘artificially high standards’ that make vehicles unaffordable, per posts found on X from users like Mario Nawfal.

This shift, as detailed in a Vox analysis published on November 4, 2025, argues that while Trump hates EVs, his policies are making gas cars more expensive too. By reverting to 2019-level emissions standards, which allow about 25% more emissions per vehicle, the administration is effectively increasing long-term fuel costs for drivers.

Tariffs and Supply Chain Disruptions

Adding to the financial burden are Trump’s proposed tariffs on imported vehicles and parts, particularly from Canada and Mexico. A Newsweek report from January 31, 2025, warns that these tariffs could send the cost of car ownership skyrocketing, with experts fearing even higher prices if duties are imposed on key trading partners.

Yahoo Finance, in a piece dated September 9, 2025, lists 15 car brands likely to see price hikes due to these tariffs, including major players like Toyota and Volkswagen. The analysis predicts exponential increases in car prices over the next year, impacting buyers and automakers alike.

Impact on Electric Vehicle Adoption

The rollback of EV incentives is another critical factor. Grist, in its November 8, 2025, article, echoes WIRED’s sentiment, noting that Trump’s policies are making gas cars more expensive while simultaneously hindering the shift to cheaper-to-operate EVs. This creates a double whammy for consumers stuck with inefficient vehicles.

A Union of Concerned Scientists blog post from August 5, 2025, emphasizes that denying climate science in vehicle standards will mean spending more at the pump and fewer choices at dealerships. Don Anair, a senior analyst, is quoted saying this isn’t just bad for climate impacts but for daily American expenses like intensified storms and extreme heat.

Historical Context and Long-Term Projections

Looking back, a 2019 Forbes article projected that Trump’s earlier clean car rollback could cost the U.S. economy up to $400 billion through 2050, increasing emissions by 10% and boosting gas use by 7.6 billion barrels through 2035. These figures, while from a previous term, are resurfacing in current discussions on X, where users reference similar environmental and economic fallout.

The New York Times, in an April 4, 2025, piece, debunked Trump’s claims that auto emissions don’t affect the environment, with scientists asserting that tailpipe pollution drives climate change and causes human deaths ‘every day.’

Consumer Sentiment and Market Reactions

Posts on X reveal mixed sentiments, with some users like unusual_whales noting the transition team’s recommendation to produce more gas-powered vehicles by rolling back standards. Others, such as Emily Atkin in a 2020 post, highlighted that Trump’s regulatory rollbacks added 1.8 billion tons of carbon to the atmosphere, equivalent to 389 million extra cars on the road for a year.

A more recent X post from WIRED on November 8, 2025, directly states that Trump’s anti-climate agenda is making it more expensive to own a car, garnering significant views and reinforcing the narrative of rising costs across the board.

Economic Ripple Effects Beyond Cars

The broader economic implications extend to household budgets. A 2024 X post from Hillary Clinton referenced a study predicting that Trump’s Project 2025 could lead to increased household energy bills, an 18% rise in emissions, 2,000 more premature deaths due to air pollution, and 1.7 million fewer new jobs by 2030.

Katie Couric’s Wake-Up Call, in an August 7, 2025, article, explains that revoking EPA climate rules could weaken clean car standards, drive up gas prices, and slow EV adoption, ultimately hitting consumers’ wallets harder.

Industry Insider Perspectives

Automotive executives are voicing concerns privately, according to sources in a BizToc summary from November 4, 2025, which quotes Trump’s view that environmental regulations make products more expensive and perform worse, as seen in his frustrations with efficiency rules for items like toilets and showerheads.

In a 67nj.org piece from the same date, it’s noted that Trump began his second term by targeting these regulations, potentially releasing more CO2 and increasing premature deaths due to poor air quality, drawing from a 2019 AJ+ X post estimating 34 million tons of CO2 per year from vehicles alone under similar policies.

Global Comparisons and Future Outlook

Internationally, countries maintaining strict efficiency standards are seeing lower ownership costs. For instance, Europe’s push for EVs has reduced average fuel expenses, contrasting sharply with the U.S. trajectory under Trump, as discussed in various web analyses.

Looking ahead, if these policies persist, projections from the Union of Concerned Scientists suggest billions in additional costs for the U.S. and Canada, with emissions increases that could exacerbate climate events, further driving up insurance and repair costs for car owners.

Navigating the New Regulatory Landscape

For industry insiders, adapting means rethinking supply chains to mitigate tariff impacts. Automakers are already exploring domestic production increases, but as Vox points out, this could still result in higher prices without the efficiency gains from green tech.

Ultimately, the interplay of tariffs, rollbacks, and anti-EV stance forms a perfect storm for car ownership costs, urging stakeholders to monitor policy shifts closely in the coming months.