Sen. Slotkin Introduces Bill to Ban Chinese Vehicles, Calls Them ‘TikTok on Wheels’
Sen. Elissa Slotkin introduces bipartisan bill to ban Chinese vehicles, warning of data security threats from internet-connected cars.
DETROIT, MICHIGAN — Democratic U.S. Sen. Elissa Slotkin introduced legislation Thursday to ban Chinese vehicle production and use in the United States, describing Chinese-made cars as “adversarial Chinese data collectors on wheels” during a discussion with the Detroit Regional Chamber on U.S.-China relations.
Slotkin’s bill targets internet-connected Chinese vehicles that could feed information to foreign adversaries. The legislation is being co-sponsored by Republican U.S. Sen. Bernie Moreno of Ohio, creating a bipartisan effort that challenges President Donald Trump’s recent comments about potentially allowing China to build and sell vehicles in America.
Data Security Concerns Drive Legislation
The senator expressed concerns about equipment used to track vehicles and driver data, calling them “grave national security and data safety questions.” The discussion took place during a panel on U.S.-China relations and their impact on Michigan’s economy, hosted by the Detroit Regional Chamber.
The panel included Detroit Regional Chamber President Sandy Baruah, Glenn Stevens of MichAuto, and was moderated by broadcaster Guy Gordon. Slotkin emphasized that the concern about Chinese vehicles is “palpable” due to the potential security risks they pose.
Bipartisan Support Despite Trump Opposition
While the bill has some Republican support, it could face opposition from Trump’s most loyal supporters in Congress. The legislation directly contradicts the president’s recent statements suggesting openness to Chinese vehicle manufacturing in the United States.
Slotkin previously joined other U.S. senators in calling Chinese automobiles a “nonnegotiable” threat in a letter to Trump. The senator said she hopes Chinese vehicle production and intellectual property theft will be part of upcoming discussions when Trump meets with Chinese officials at a planned summit.
Economic Implications for Michigan
The discussion comes as the U.S.-China relationship continues to evolve, with potential economic implications for Michigan’s automotive industry. Slotkin urged Trump to have comprehensive conversations with Chinese officials about these security concerns during the anticipated summit.
The senator’s legislation represents a significant challenge to Chinese automotive expansion in the U.S. market, focusing specifically on vehicles with internet connectivity capabilities that could potentially transmit data to foreign governments.
