Trump Calls on Foreign Companies to Hire Americans

President Trump has urged foreign companies to comply with U.S. immigration laws and prioritise hiring American workers after 475 employees, including 300 South Koreans, were detained at Hyundai’s Georgia car battery plant, while Seoul arranges their repatriation.

President Donald Trump has called on foreign companies investing in the United States to comply with immigration laws and prioritise hiring American workers, following the detention of 475 employees at Hyundai’s car battery plant in Georgia, including around 300 South Korean nationals.

The arrests, carried out by federal agents last week, mark one of the largest enforcement operations at a single site in U.S. history. South Korea has moved to repatriate its citizens, with discussions underway to arrange their voluntary return.

Speaking on Truth Social, Trump sought to reassure international investors, stating, “Your investments are welcome, and we encourage you to legally bring your very smart people, with great technical talent, to build world-class products. What we ask in return is that you hire and train American workers.”

While the raid raised concerns over potential diplomatic tensions, Trump emphasised that the operation would not harm U.S.–South Korea relations. He also suggested that some foreign manufacturing experts could be allowed into the country to train American employees, highlighting a willingness to balance enforcement with economic cooperation.

Hyundai Motor, one of the largest foreign investors in the U.S., confirmed that none of the detained workers were directly employed by the company and that production at the plant was not affected. The firm said it was cooperating with authorities and had paused non-essential business trips to the U.S.

The incident underscores the ongoing challenge for international firms in navigating U.S. labour laws while meeting ambitious production schedules, particularly in high-tech sectors such as electric vehicle batteries.

In a political climate where jobs and national borders dominate policy debates, Trump’s message is clear: foreign factories can operate on U.S. soil, but the workforce must be American.