Staff Reports
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has put Ford Motor Company on notice with a blunt, public letter warning that the automaker’s expanding ties to Chinese state-linked firms threaten U.S. national security and American jobs. The letter names specific deals and urges Ford to choose American manufacturing and supply-chain independence over cheap foreign tech. This is not a whisper from a concerned uncle — it is a top cabinet official calling out a once-iconic U.S. brand for cozying up to Beijing.
What Secretary Duffy singled out
Duffy’s letter calls out four clear moves by Ford: using licensed battery technology from CATL at BlueOval Battery Park in Marshall, Michigan; a joint venture with Geely to build cars in Valencia, Spain; reported talks with BYD about hybrid parts; and long delays in bringing Lincoln production back to the U.S., including models like the Nautilus. Those are not vague rumors. They are named deals and partnerships that shape Ford’s electric-vehicle strategy and its manufacturing footprint.
Why this matters — jobs, security, and supply chains
The problem is simple: China-linked suppliers can be tools of state power. Chinese laws and the CCP’s reach create real risks for proprietary technology, customer data, and supply chains. CATL’s role in battery supply, and the fact some lists flag it as a concern, make the Marshall deal especially sensitive. Republican lawmakers already have probes open. When an American automaker lets critical pieces of EV production or technology hinge on Beijing-linked firms, it’s not just a balance-sheet question — it’s a national-security and jobs question.
Ford’s rebuttal and the PR scramble
Ford called Duffy’s letter “wrongheaded” and said it reflects misunderstandings, pointing out BlueOval is Ford-operated and that the CATL deal is a licensing arrangement. CEO Jim Farley says the company would explain if given the chance. That may be true, but a private briefing does not erase the facts on the table: licensed CATL tech, a Geely joint venture, BYD talks, and delayed reshoring for Lincoln. Markets noticed too — Ford’s stock took a hit when the letter circulated. The public deserves answers, not corporate spin.
What should happen next
Congress and regulators must press for real transparency and, if necessary, limits through CFIUS or targeted rules so American supply chains don’t become dependent on strategic competitors. Ford should show a concrete plan to secure IP, keep jobs in the U.S., and break operational dependence on Chinese state-linked firms. If the automaker wants American customers and American taxpayers’ support for EV tax credits and incentives, it should act like an American company first. The choice is simple: protect national security and American workers, or keep outsourcing the future and watch others win the race.
