Republican Senator Jerry Moran of Kansas is defending Bombardier after President Trump declared Monday that the Canadian aerospace company would no longer be able to sell planes in the United States. Moran pointed out that Bombardier is a major employer in Kansas, a state already deeply tied to aviation manufacturing.
Wichita, Kansas — known as the 'Air Capital of the World' — is home to a significant Bombardier presence. Mayor Lily Wu has expressed concern over the potential impact of the ongoing US-Canada tariff dispute on the city's economy.
Despite the president's threat, Bombardier has announced it is looking to hire 500 new workers in the United States. The company has also defended its US manufacturing footprint, stating that its planes already include components made in Texas and California. Republican lawmakers have voiced support for Bombardier based on its economic contributions.