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“Are tariffs an effective way to bring manufacturing back to the U.S.?”
For decades, we were told that manufacturing jobs were gone for good—that outsourcing was the future, and that American workers couldn’t compete. We were told to accept dependence on foreign supply chains, even those controlled by adversaries like the Chinese Communist Party. And while Washington elites made excuses, communities like ours were left with closed factories and families struggling to stay afloat.
But President Donald J. Trump refused to accept that defeatist narrative—and so did we.
I’m proud to highlight a major victory for American workers and proof that the America First agenda is working: Guardian Bikes, a growing bicycle manufacturer, is investing $19 million to bring production back to the United States—specifically, to Seymour. This is exactly what Trump’s bold tariffs and trade policies were designed to do: Reverse the damage of bad global deals and make it profitable again to build things in America.
Until now, 97% of bicycles sold in the United States were made overseas, mostly in China. That statistic alone should alarm every American who cares about jobs, safety and economic independence. But thanks to a new focus on fairness and accountability on trade and an administration committed to defending domestic production, companies like Guardian Bikes are taking action to onshore large-scale manufacturing.
The president’s baseline 10% tariff on all imports and targeted tariffs on countries that cheat trade rules are leveling the playing field. For too long, foreign competitors undercut American companies by exploiting cheap labor, ignoring environmental standards and benefiting from massive state subsidies. Trump is putting an end to that by requiring our trading partners to play by American rules if they want to access the American market.
And now we’re seeing the results, not just in statistics or economic reports—but in real communities, like the one I represent in Indiana’s 9th District.
Guardian Bikes isn’t just moving production—it’s creating jobs, investing in infrastructure and committing to a future that puts American craftsmanship and innovation front and center. I had the opportunity to tour the company’s new facility and speak with CEO Brian Riley, who made it clear that the president’s trade policies were a driving force behind this decision.
This investment is about more than just bicycles. It’s about economic momentum. It’s about proving that Middle America is not only still relevant but vital to the future of this country’s economy. It’s about teaching the next generation of Hoosiers that a well-paying, high-quality manufacturing job is something to aspire to—not something of the past.
This is just the beginning. If we stay the course on tariffs, energy independence, deregulation and pro-growth tax policy, we can see a manufacturing resurgence like this across every state in the country. We can and should make things in America again.
Trump’s America First agenda is not a slogan—it’s a governing philosophy. It puts our workers, our industries and our national interests first. And it’s working.
Guardian Bikes’ $19 million investment in Seymour is proof that with the right policies and leadership, we can bring jobs back from China and restore America’s status as the world’s manufacturing powerhouse.•
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Congresswoman Erin Houchin, a Republican, represents Indiana’s 9th District. Send comments to [email protected].
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One very minor example doesn’t validate these tariffs. On again, off again tariffs won’t bring jobs back. For tariffs to be effective, this has to be handled with precision over an extended period of time, which is counter to this admin’s capabilities. She must think we’re fools.