Amidst automotive tariffs and President Trump's remarks on supporting U.S. car companies, Ford announced temporary employee pricing deals aimed at benefiting its domestic workforce and easing the transition toward domestic production.

Ford Motor Co., alongside other major automakers, lobbied the federal government to mitigate a newly announced 25% tariff on imported vehicles. The company argued that the tariff would drive up costs and risk layoffs in the auto sector, positioning its lobbying efforts as a measure to protect workers and counteract authoritarian economic policies.

Ford Motor Co. announced it will resume its political donations effective April 1, and the company’s political action committee indicated it will not rule out donations to lawmakers who voted against certifying President Biden's election win, as revealed in a letter seen by Reuters.

Ford CEO Jim Farley warned that the recently announced 25% tariffs would be 'devastating' for the U.S. auto industry, notably due to added exposure on imported engines. This public criticism challenges aggressive trade policies associated with authoritarian economic practices.

Ford Motor Company participated in high-level discussions with the Trump administration that resulted in a one-month tariff reprieve, illustrating its ability to leverage political connections to mitigate adverse trade impacts. This move, while beneficial for short-term market stability, raises concerns about corporate complicity in bolstering authoritarian policy decisions and prioritizing profit over broader democratic accountability.

In the 2024 cycle, Ford Motor Co engaged in significant political contributions ($1,180,183) and lobbying expenditures ($3,188,121). The data also reveals a high degree of revolving door employment with 30 out of 40 lobbyists having prior government roles, suggesting an entrenched influence on policy that may undermine democratic accountability.

An investigative analysis detailing Ford Motor Company's historical backing of fascist ideologies, including the dissemination of antisemitic propaganda, violent union suppression, and economic collaborations with authoritarian regimes. The article highlights how these actions contributed to the rise of oppressive political structures, linking Ford's past conduct to a broader pattern of complicity in authoritarianism.

Ford Motor Company is pursuing a patent for technology that could transform its vehicles into tools of mass surveillance by monitoring nearby vehicles' speeds, capturing images, and transmitting data directly to law enforcement. The move raises significant concerns about privacy, civil liberties, and the potential for increased authoritarian oversight.

Ford released its annual sustainability report on April 23, 2024, outlining significant policy commitments to protect the rights of Indigenous Peoples and support a living wage for workers through updated human rights and supplier policies. However, the report also reveals disappointment over the lack of progress in advancing cleaner steel and aluminum supply chains.

Ford union workers ratified a tentative contract with the UAW that improves retirees' benefits and reinstates cost-of-living allowances following a historic strike, marking a progressive advancement in worker rights within the automaker sector.

After a 41-day strike, Ford and the United Auto Workers union reached a tentative labor agreement that includes an immediate pay increase and further wage escalations, marking a significant win for worker rights.

Ford provided a detailed response to allegations concerning sourcing from a Serbian supplier's facility amid migrant worker abuse accusations. The company emphasized its Supplier Code of Conduct, due diligence processes, and supply chain transparency to ensure the protection of human rights and the environment.

Ford Motor Co. halted work on its planned $3.5 billion electric vehicle battery plant in Michigan following intense autoworker strikes and a forced labor probe linked to its Chinese technology partner, CATL. Lawmakers and union leaders have expressed concern over potential ties to forced labor in Xinjiang as well as threats to job security.

Ford Motor Co. faced allegations of child labor within its supply chain but did not respond to the claims, raising concerns about its commitment to ethical sourcing and accountability.

On February 9, 2023, Ford Motor Company filed a patent for an IoT interference detection technology aimed at enhancing security in vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communications. This innovation seeks to detect and mitigate unauthorized interference in connected vehicle systems, potentially boosting the reliability and safety of future Ford vehicles.

Ford, through its foundation arm, has committed $80 million over the next five years to bolster global nonprofits fighting against authoritarian regimes. The initiative aims to strengthen civil society by building virtual hubs in multiple countries to enhance political rights and support democratic resilience.

Ford Motor Co. through its philanthropic initiative, referred to as the Ford Foundation commitment, announced a $80 million pledge over five years to establish virtual hubs in 12 countries. The initiative is aimed at bolstering civil society organizations that combat authoritarian regimes, thus strengthening democratic civil engagement around the globe.

Ford Motor Company filed a patent on May 12, 2021 for a geofencing restriction system intended to automatically slow or stop vehicles in high-density pedestrian areas. While the system is presented as a safety feature to prevent accidents, its implementation raises concerns about potential misuse in restricting protestor movements and limiting driver autonomy.

Ford Motor Co.'s political action committee has resumed its political donations following a suspension after the January 6 Capitol riot. The PAC announced it will evaluate political candidates on a case-by-case basis rather than imposing a blanket ban on those who objected to the certification of the 2020 Presidential election, despite its history of significant contributions to GOP candidates.

Ford Motor Company has resumed its political donations after a review. The company stated it will not rule out contributions to lawmakers who voted against certifying President Biden's election win, a move that raises concerns about supporting politicians with anti-democratic tendencies while also introducing a new principle of public service and integrity.

In 1979, 25-year-old Ford Motor Company worker Robert Williams was fatally struck by a robotic arm at the Flat Rock, Michigan plant. The incident highlights severe shortcomings in workplace safety measures and raises questions about the company's commitment to protecting its workers.