Trump multiplies GM threats

US President Donald Trump stepped up his attacks against General Motors (GM) a day after the automaker announced major job cuts.

Mr. Trump wrote on Twitter that he was "very disappointed" and "plans to remove all GM subsidies, including … for electric cars".

It was not clear immediately what specific subsidies he had in mind.

GM's decision to stop production in factories in the United States and Canada has angered many politicians.

For Mr. Trump in particular, the cuts are a blow because he has made rebuilding the US auto industry one of his administration's priorities.

"I'm not happy," he said yesterday.

GM did not respond directly to questions about the assistance received.

But the company defended its restructuring plan, which it says reinforces "our ability to invest for future growth and position the company to ensure long-term success and maintain and grow US jobs."

"We appreciate the actions taken by this administration on the part of industry to improve the overall competitiveness of the US manufacturing sector."

Government assistance

General Motors enjoys a federal tax credit for electric vehicles, but the program disappears gradually when a manufacturer has sold 200,000 cars.

GM is expected to reach this ceiling in the coming months.

The company has also benefited from taxpayer assistance during the financial crisis and has received federal grants worth several hundred million dollars in recent years, according to a database run by Good Jobs First, a non-profit organization that follows corporate subsidies.

The rescue was cited by Trump and union leaders, who criticized GM's cuts.

The company announced Monday its intention to reduce its workforce by 15% and close eight factories worldwide.

The restructuring follows a decline in auto sales and comes as the company prepares for the next economic crisis.

GM has announced the phasing out of some models of slower-selling cars, stopping production in four plants in the United States and one in Canada.

This move will likely result in the loss of more than 14,000 jobs in North America, including more than 6,100 workers posted in factories.

GM said many workers will have the opportunity to move to other factories. The company also recruits people in technical and technical positions in the field of electric cars and autonomous cars.