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Yoon replaces the defense minister as South Korea's parliament moves to vote on their impeachments

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Yoon replaces the defense minister as South Korea's parliament moves to vote on their impeachments
News

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Yoon replaces the defense minister as South Korea's parliament moves to vote on their impeachments

2024-12-05 20:08 Last Updated At:20:10

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — South Korea’s president replaced his defense minister Thursday as opposition parties moved to impeach both men over the stunning-but-brief imposition of martial law that brought armed troops into Seoul streets.

The Democratic Party and other small opposition parties submitted a joint motion to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol on Wednesday over his martial law declaration the previous night. Martial law lasted about six hours, as the National Assembly quickly voted to overrule the president, forcing his Cabinet to lift it before daybreak Wednesday.

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Protesters shout slogans during a rally against South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol in Seoul, South Korea, Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man)

Protesters shout slogans during a rally against South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol in Seoul, South Korea, Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man)

Police officers stand guard during a rally against South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol in Seoul, South Korea, Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man)

Police officers stand guard during a rally against South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol in Seoul, South Korea, Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man)

Protesters hold up banners that reads "Impeach Yoon Suk Yeol " at a candlelight vigil against South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol in Seoul, South Korea, Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024 (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

Protesters hold up banners that reads "Impeach Yoon Suk Yeol " at a candlelight vigil against South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol in Seoul, South Korea, Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024 (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

Protesters march after a rally against South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, with the posters read "Resign Yoon Suk Yeol", in Seoul, South Korea, Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man)

Protesters march after a rally against South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, with the posters read "Resign Yoon Suk Yeol", in Seoul, South Korea, Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man)

Protesters hold up banners that reads "Impeach Yoon Suk Yeol " at a candlelight vigil against South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol in Seoul, South Korea, Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024 (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

Protesters hold up banners that reads "Impeach Yoon Suk Yeol " at a candlelight vigil against South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol in Seoul, South Korea, Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024 (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

Protesters hold up banners that reads "Impeach Yoon Suk Yeol " at a candlelight vigil against South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol in Seoul, South Korea, Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024 (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

Protesters hold up banners that reads "Impeach Yoon Suk Yeol " at a candlelight vigil against South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol in Seoul, South Korea, Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024 (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

Police officers file past supporters of South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol before a rally in Seoul, South Korea, Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

Police officers file past supporters of South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol before a rally in Seoul, South Korea, Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

Supporters of South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol rally in Seoul, South Korea, Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

Supporters of South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol rally in Seoul, South Korea, Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

Supporters of South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol rally in Seoul, South Korea, Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

Supporters of South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol rally in Seoul, South Korea, Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

Supporters of South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol rally in Seoul, South Korea, Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

Supporters of South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol rally in Seoul, South Korea, Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

Supporters of South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol rally in Seoul, South Korea, Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024.(AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

Supporters of South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol rally in Seoul, South Korea, Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024.(AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

South Korean marine veterans get their heads shaved during a rally against President Yoon Suk Yeol in front of the presidential office in Seoul, South Korea, Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon)

South Korean marine veterans get their heads shaved during a rally against President Yoon Suk Yeol in front of the presidential office in Seoul, South Korea, Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon)

Supporters of South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol rally in Seoul, South Korea, Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

Supporters of South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol rally in Seoul, South Korea, Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

South Korean marine veterans get their heads shaved during a rally against President Yoon Suk Yeol in front of the presidential office in Seoul, South Korea, Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon)

South Korean marine veterans get their heads shaved during a rally against President Yoon Suk Yeol in front of the presidential office in Seoul, South Korea, Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon)

Supporters of South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol rally in Seoul, South Korea, Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

Supporters of South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol rally in Seoul, South Korea, Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

A South Korean marine veteran gets his head shaved during a rally against President Yoon Suk Yeol in front of the presidential office in Seoul, South Korea, Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon)

A South Korean marine veteran gets his head shaved during a rally against President Yoon Suk Yeol in front of the presidential office in Seoul, South Korea, Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon)

South Korean marine veterans stage a rally against President Yoon Suk Yeol in front of the presidential office in Seoul, South Korea, Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon)

South Korean marine veterans stage a rally against President Yoon Suk Yeol in front of the presidential office in Seoul, South Korea, Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon)

South Korean marine veterans stage a rally against President Yoon Suk Yeol in front of the presidential office in Seoul, South Korea, Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon)

South Korean marine veterans stage a rally against President Yoon Suk Yeol in front of the presidential office in Seoul, South Korea, Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon)

FILE - South Korea's Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul, right, looks on as South Korea's Defense Minister Kim Yong Hyun speaks during a news conference in Ottawa, Ontario, on Nov. 1, 2024. (Adrian Wyld/The Canadian Press via AP, File)

FILE - South Korea's Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul, right, looks on as South Korea's Defense Minister Kim Yong Hyun speaks during a news conference in Ottawa, Ontario, on Nov. 1, 2024. (Adrian Wyld/The Canadian Press via AP, File)

This undated photo shows newly appointed South Korean Defense Minister Choi Byung Hyuk, a retired four-star general who is South Korea's ambassador to Saudi Arabia. (Yonhap via AP)

This undated photo shows newly appointed South Korean Defense Minister Choi Byung Hyuk, a retired four-star general who is South Korea's ambassador to Saudi Arabia. (Yonhap via AP)

An elderly man holds up a candle during a candlelight vigil against South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol in Seoul, South Korea, Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

An elderly man holds up a candle during a candlelight vigil against South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol in Seoul, South Korea, Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

People hold signs with writing reading "Resign Yoon Suk Yeol" and shout slogans as they march to the presidential office after a candlelight vigil against South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, in Seoul, South Korea, Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024 (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

People hold signs with writing reading "Resign Yoon Suk Yeol" and shout slogans as they march to the presidential office after a candlelight vigil against South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, in Seoul, South Korea, Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024 (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

A woman looks up near a police barricade with rows of police officers blocking a protest march to the presidential office after a candlelight vigil against South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, in Seoul, South Korea, Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024 (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

A woman looks up near a police barricade with rows of police officers blocking a protest march to the presidential office after a candlelight vigil against South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, in Seoul, South Korea, Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024 (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

People hold candles and signs with writing reading "Resign Yoon Suk Yeol" during a candlelight vigil against South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, in Seoul, South Korea, Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

People hold candles and signs with writing reading "Resign Yoon Suk Yeol" during a candlelight vigil against South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, in Seoul, South Korea, Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

A protester holds up a sign with writing reading "Resign Yoon Suk Yeol" as he joins others in a march to the presidential office after a candlelight vigil against South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, in Seoul, South Korea, Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024 (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

A protester holds up a sign with writing reading "Resign Yoon Suk Yeol" as he joins others in a march to the presidential office after a candlelight vigil against South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, in Seoul, South Korea, Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024 (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

A protester holds up a candle and a sign with writing reading "Resign Yoon Suk Yeol" near a police barricade set up to block a protest march to the presidential office after a candlelight vigil against South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, in Seoul, South Korea, Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024 (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

A protester holds up a candle and a sign with writing reading "Resign Yoon Suk Yeol" near a police barricade set up to block a protest march to the presidential office after a candlelight vigil against South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, in Seoul, South Korea, Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024 (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

A woman walks near banners depicting the strong relationship between South Korea and the United States, in Seoul, South Korea, Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024 (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

A woman walks near banners depicting the strong relationship between South Korea and the United States, in Seoul, South Korea, Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024 (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

Attendees light each other's candles during a candlelight vigil against South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol in Seoul, South Korea, Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

Attendees light each other's candles during a candlelight vigil against South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol in Seoul, South Korea, Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

People hold candles during a candlelight vigil against South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol in Seoul, South Korea, Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man)

People hold candles during a candlelight vigil against South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol in Seoul, South Korea, Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man)

Jo Seoung-lae, spokesperson of the Democratic Party, said it will push for a National Assembly vote on Yoon's impeachment motion on Saturday, calling his martial law declaration an “unconstitutional, illegal rebellion or coup.”

On Thursday, Yoon’s office said he decided to replace Defense Minister Kim Yong Hyun with Choi Byung Hyuk, a retired general who is South Korea’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia.

Yoon’s office didn’t provide any further comments by him. He hasn’t appeared in public since his televised announcement that martial law was lifted.

The opposition parties earlier submitted a motion to impeach Kim, alleging he recommended that Yoon impose martial law. Kim had offered to resign and apologized for causing disruption and concern to the public. Kim said that “all troops who performed duties related to martial law were acting on my instructions, and all responsibility lies with me,” according to the Defense Ministry.

During a parliamentary hearing Thursday, Vice Defense Minister Kim Seon Ho said the decision to deploy troops at the National Assembly came from Kim Yong Hyun. Army chief of staff Park An-su, who served as head of the martial law command, said he didn't know how the troops were sent to parliament.

Kim Seon Ho also said he wasn’t informed about Yoon’s decision to impose martial law until the announcement was reported by the media. He said he didn’t know who wrote the military proclamation announced after Yoon’s martial law declaration, which stated that the activities of political parties would be suspended. Park said he proposed a legal review of the proclamation to Kim Yong Hyun, and Kim said a review had been completed.

“I had fundamentally opposed the deployment of troops over this martial law and I expressed a negative opinion about it,” Kim Seon Ho said. “I would like to apologize to our citizens once again, and, on a personal level, I feel devastated.”

Prosecutors in Seoul said they imposed an overseas travel ban on Kim Yong Hyun on Thursday.

Separately, opposition parties on Thursday voted to impeach Choe Jae-hae, chairman of South Korea's auditing board, and three senior public prosecutors. The four will be suspended until the Constitutional Court rules whether to remove them from office. Members of Yoon's governing People Power Party boycotted the votes, leaving the totals far over the threshold to impeach them.

Choe has been accused of softening a review of Yoon’s 2022 decision to move the presidential office from a downtown palace to the Defense Ministry compound, which critics saw as inexplicable waste of money. The prosecutors face accusations that they watered down an investigation into suspected stock price manipulation involving Yoon’s wife, Kim Keon Hee.

During his martial law announcement, Yoon described the Democratic Party’s continued attempts to impeach senior officials and prosecutors as “anti-state activities” and “paralyzing the government.”

The PPP said Thursday it has decided to oppose the motion to impeach Yoon. Observers say it could boycott a floor vote or cast ballots against the motion.

Impeaching the president would require support from two-thirds of the National Assembly, or 200 of its 300 members. The opposition parties together have 192 seats. Parliament's rejection of martial law passed unanimously Wednesday with support from 18 PPP lawmakers who belong to an anti-Yoon faction in the party.

But PPP leader Han Dong-hun, head of the anti-Yoon faction, told reporters Thursday he would work to defeat the impeachment motion even though he criticized Yoon’s declaration as “unconstitutional.” Han said there is a need to “prevent damage to citizens and supporters caused by unprepared chaos.”

Experts say PPP factions could unite to avoid what happened after the 2016 impeachment of conservative President Park Geun-hye with the votes of some lawmakers in her own party. After she was removed from office, the liberals easily won the presidency in a by-election as conservatives remained in disarray. She went to prison but was eventually pardoned.

If Yoon is impeached, he would be suspended until the Constitutional Court rules on whether to remove him from office or restore his presidential power. Prime Minister Han Duck-soo would take over presidential responsibilities.

The impeachment motion against Yoon says he failed to meet the constitutional requirement that martial law should only be considered in wartime or a comparable severe crisis. It alleges he attempted a “self-coup” by mobilizing the military and that suspending political party activities and deploying troops to seal the National Assembly amounted to rebellion.

Thousands of protesters marched in Seoul's streets Wednesday, carrying candles and signs calling for Yoon to step down, and another large anti-government gathering was expected Thursday evening.

Reflecting the country’s deeply polarized politics, hundreds of Yoon’s conservative supporters rallied in downtown Seoul on Thursday afternoon, holding signs criticizing Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung, seen as a potential successor to Yoon despite facing trials over various corruption allegations.

With Yoon’s declaration sparking concerns about South Korea’s democratic status, officials have been trying to mitigate backlash.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lee Jaewoong said the ministry sent diplomatic notes to foreign missions emphasizing that martial law was lifted through democratic procedures and that travel advisories need not change, as public safety remains stable.

When asked about the U.S. Embassy in Seoul's move this week to cancel routine consular operations, including visa and passport interviews, based on its assessment that South Korea’s “situation remains fluid,” Lee said Seoul was maintaining “necessary communication” with the Americans. The U.S. Embassy later on Thursday said those services were resumed.

Yoon’s martial law declaration came hours after his summit with Kyrgyzstan President Sadyr Japarov, who traveled to Seoul on an official visit. Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson reportedly canceled a plan to visit South Korea this week.

“We are continuously trying to ensure a seamless and consistent implementation of our ministry’s diplomatic policies,” Lee said.

Protesters shout slogans during a rally against South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol in Seoul, South Korea, Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man)

Protesters shout slogans during a rally against South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol in Seoul, South Korea, Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man)

Police officers stand guard during a rally against South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol in Seoul, South Korea, Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man)

Police officers stand guard during a rally against South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol in Seoul, South Korea, Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man)

Protesters hold up banners that reads "Impeach Yoon Suk Yeol " at a candlelight vigil against South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol in Seoul, South Korea, Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024 (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

Protesters hold up banners that reads "Impeach Yoon Suk Yeol " at a candlelight vigil against South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol in Seoul, South Korea, Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024 (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

Protesters march after a rally against South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, with the posters read "Resign Yoon Suk Yeol", in Seoul, South Korea, Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man)

Protesters march after a rally against South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, with the posters read "Resign Yoon Suk Yeol", in Seoul, South Korea, Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man)

Protesters hold up banners that reads "Impeach Yoon Suk Yeol " at a candlelight vigil against South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol in Seoul, South Korea, Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024 (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

Protesters hold up banners that reads "Impeach Yoon Suk Yeol " at a candlelight vigil against South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol in Seoul, South Korea, Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024 (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

Protesters hold up banners that reads "Impeach Yoon Suk Yeol " at a candlelight vigil against South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol in Seoul, South Korea, Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024 (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

Protesters hold up banners that reads "Impeach Yoon Suk Yeol " at a candlelight vigil against South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol in Seoul, South Korea, Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024 (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

Police officers file past supporters of South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol before a rally in Seoul, South Korea, Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

Police officers file past supporters of South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol before a rally in Seoul, South Korea, Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

Supporters of South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol rally in Seoul, South Korea, Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

Supporters of South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol rally in Seoul, South Korea, Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

Supporters of South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol rally in Seoul, South Korea, Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

Supporters of South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol rally in Seoul, South Korea, Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

Supporters of South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol rally in Seoul, South Korea, Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

Supporters of South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol rally in Seoul, South Korea, Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

Supporters of South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol rally in Seoul, South Korea, Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024.(AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

Supporters of South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol rally in Seoul, South Korea, Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024.(AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

South Korean marine veterans get their heads shaved during a rally against President Yoon Suk Yeol in front of the presidential office in Seoul, South Korea, Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon)

South Korean marine veterans get their heads shaved during a rally against President Yoon Suk Yeol in front of the presidential office in Seoul, South Korea, Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon)

Supporters of South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol rally in Seoul, South Korea, Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

Supporters of South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol rally in Seoul, South Korea, Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

South Korean marine veterans get their heads shaved during a rally against President Yoon Suk Yeol in front of the presidential office in Seoul, South Korea, Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon)

South Korean marine veterans get their heads shaved during a rally against President Yoon Suk Yeol in front of the presidential office in Seoul, South Korea, Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon)

Supporters of South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol rally in Seoul, South Korea, Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

Supporters of South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol rally in Seoul, South Korea, Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

A South Korean marine veteran gets his head shaved during a rally against President Yoon Suk Yeol in front of the presidential office in Seoul, South Korea, Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon)

A South Korean marine veteran gets his head shaved during a rally against President Yoon Suk Yeol in front of the presidential office in Seoul, South Korea, Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon)

South Korean marine veterans stage a rally against President Yoon Suk Yeol in front of the presidential office in Seoul, South Korea, Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon)

South Korean marine veterans stage a rally against President Yoon Suk Yeol in front of the presidential office in Seoul, South Korea, Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon)

South Korean marine veterans stage a rally against President Yoon Suk Yeol in front of the presidential office in Seoul, South Korea, Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon)

South Korean marine veterans stage a rally against President Yoon Suk Yeol in front of the presidential office in Seoul, South Korea, Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon)

FILE - South Korea's Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul, right, looks on as South Korea's Defense Minister Kim Yong Hyun speaks during a news conference in Ottawa, Ontario, on Nov. 1, 2024. (Adrian Wyld/The Canadian Press via AP, File)

FILE - South Korea's Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul, right, looks on as South Korea's Defense Minister Kim Yong Hyun speaks during a news conference in Ottawa, Ontario, on Nov. 1, 2024. (Adrian Wyld/The Canadian Press via AP, File)

This undated photo shows newly appointed South Korean Defense Minister Choi Byung Hyuk, a retired four-star general who is South Korea's ambassador to Saudi Arabia. (Yonhap via AP)

This undated photo shows newly appointed South Korean Defense Minister Choi Byung Hyuk, a retired four-star general who is South Korea's ambassador to Saudi Arabia. (Yonhap via AP)

An elderly man holds up a candle during a candlelight vigil against South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol in Seoul, South Korea, Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

An elderly man holds up a candle during a candlelight vigil against South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol in Seoul, South Korea, Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

People hold signs with writing reading "Resign Yoon Suk Yeol" and shout slogans as they march to the presidential office after a candlelight vigil against South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, in Seoul, South Korea, Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024 (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

People hold signs with writing reading "Resign Yoon Suk Yeol" and shout slogans as they march to the presidential office after a candlelight vigil against South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, in Seoul, South Korea, Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024 (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

A woman looks up near a police barricade with rows of police officers blocking a protest march to the presidential office after a candlelight vigil against South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, in Seoul, South Korea, Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024 (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

A woman looks up near a police barricade with rows of police officers blocking a protest march to the presidential office after a candlelight vigil against South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, in Seoul, South Korea, Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024 (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

People hold candles and signs with writing reading "Resign Yoon Suk Yeol" during a candlelight vigil against South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, in Seoul, South Korea, Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

People hold candles and signs with writing reading "Resign Yoon Suk Yeol" during a candlelight vigil against South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, in Seoul, South Korea, Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

A protester holds up a sign with writing reading "Resign Yoon Suk Yeol" as he joins others in a march to the presidential office after a candlelight vigil against South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, in Seoul, South Korea, Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024 (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

A protester holds up a sign with writing reading "Resign Yoon Suk Yeol" as he joins others in a march to the presidential office after a candlelight vigil against South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, in Seoul, South Korea, Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024 (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

A protester holds up a candle and a sign with writing reading "Resign Yoon Suk Yeol" near a police barricade set up to block a protest march to the presidential office after a candlelight vigil against South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, in Seoul, South Korea, Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024 (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

A protester holds up a candle and a sign with writing reading "Resign Yoon Suk Yeol" near a police barricade set up to block a protest march to the presidential office after a candlelight vigil against South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, in Seoul, South Korea, Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024 (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

A woman walks near banners depicting the strong relationship between South Korea and the United States, in Seoul, South Korea, Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024 (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

A woman walks near banners depicting the strong relationship between South Korea and the United States, in Seoul, South Korea, Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024 (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

Attendees light each other's candles during a candlelight vigil against South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol in Seoul, South Korea, Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

Attendees light each other's candles during a candlelight vigil against South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol in Seoul, South Korea, Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

People hold candles during a candlelight vigil against South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol in Seoul, South Korea, Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man)

People hold candles during a candlelight vigil against South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol in Seoul, South Korea, Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man)

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Trump steel, aluminum tariffs likely to drive up car costs, industry leaders say

2025-02-12 06:29 Last Updated At:06:31

DETROIT (AP) — President Donald Trump's tariffs on steel imports this week could wreak havoc on American auto manufacturing, industry leaders say. The moves align with the Trump administration's aggressive global trade agenda and ambitions to strengthen U.S. industry, but they could have an inverse effect.

On March 12, all steel imports will be taxed at a minimum of 25%, the result of two orders the president signed Monday that also include a 25% tariff on aluminum. That could have a serious impact on domestic auto companies including Ford, GM and Stellantis — and make these companies' vehicles more expensive for the nation's car buyers.

Tariffs on crucial products coming from outside of the U.S. places pressure on domestic sourcing of the materials, experts say. The basic rules of supply and demand could drive up costs.

“Steel producers have to find ways to increase capacity, and aluminum and steel might be in short supply in the short term,” said Sam Fiorani, analyst at AutoForecast Solutions, which studies the industry. “Producing vehicles has a lot of moving parts, and raising the price of what is among the most important components of the vehicle is only going to raise the price of an already expensive product.”

The average transaction price for a new vehicle in the U.S. in January was $48,641, according to auto-buying resource Kelley Blue Book — a hefty investment for an inflation-sensitive consumer.

“Tariffs such as these do nothing to enhance the automotive industry directly,” Fiorani said.

To Ford CEO Jim Farley, Trump's early actions in office — which also include 25% tariffs on goods coming from Mexico and Canada, although delayed by a month — are already challenging the Dearborn, Michigan, automaker.

The Trump administration has also upended electric vehicle policy put in place under former President Joe Biden, targeted EV charging infrastructure, as well as directed review of vehicle emissions and fuel economy rules — all of which could play a role in automaker plans to decarbonize. Already, auto companies have pulled back some electrification plans amid shifts in the market.

Most of the three automakers’ steel and aluminum already comes from North America, Ford included; CFO Sherry House noted Tuesday during a Wolfe Research conference that 90% of the company's steel comes from the U.S., and that aluminum is also not that competitive.

Still, Farley said Tuesday during the same conference that “So far what we’re seeing is a lot of cost, and a lot of chaos," according to a transcript of the event.

Farley said: “The reality is, though, our suppliers have international sources for aluminum steel. So that price will come through and it may be a speculative part in the market where price would come up because the tariffs are even rumored.”

A spokesperson for Ford deferred to Farley's comments when reached for additional comment. A spokesperson for Stellantis declined to comment.

A GM spokesperson deferred to CEO Mary Barra's comments from the Wolfe conference. Barra also said much of the steel and aluminum used in GM's U.S. vehicle production is sourced here and that the company did not expect any significant immediate impact.

“We’re concerned about the downstream effects on consumer products like automobiles,” said Glenn Stevens Jr., executive director of MichAuto, a state auto industry association. “The concern whenever you have a scenario like this, and I’m not an economist, but I follow this very closely, is that the short-term benefits of higher prices for steel and aluminum for domestic production are outweighed by a decrease in downstream effects.”

“The auto industry, it’s a very competitive business," he added. "You can’t change supply chains very quickly and you certainly can’t change manufacturing locations very quickly.”

Trump also placed tariffs on steel and aluminum in 2018 during his first stint in the White House. Automakers had to revise their financial plans for the year as their outlooks fell as a result, according to Fiorani.

“Industries like automotive have built their entire financial plan based on sourcing products where they can; locally, if it’s possible, globally, if it makes the most sense,” he added.

Erik Gordon, professor at the University of Michigan Ross School of Business, said if automakers can't raise prices, they'll lose profits.

“The tradeoff is that car buyers might pay more or car manufacturers might make less, in return for more jobs in the U.S. steel industry and less dependence on non-U.S. steel companies.”

Associated Press reporter Isabella Volmert contributed to this report from Lansing, Mich.

Alexa St. John is an Associated Press climate solutions reporter. Follow her on X: @alexa_stjohn. Reach her at ast.john@ap.org.

Read more of AP’s climate coverage at http://www.apnews.com/climate-and-environment

The Associated Press’ climate and environmental coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find AP’s standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org.

FILE - An employee works on the production line at the Martinrea auto parts manufacturing plant that supplies auto parts to Canada and U.S. plants, in Woodbridge, Ontario, Monday, Feb. 3, 2025. (Chris Young/The Canadian Press via AP, File)

FILE - An employee works on the production line at the Martinrea auto parts manufacturing plant that supplies auto parts to Canada and U.S. plants, in Woodbridge, Ontario, Monday, Feb. 3, 2025. (Chris Young/The Canadian Press via AP, File)

FILE - An employee works on the production line at the Martinrea auto parts manufacturing plant that supplies auto parts to Canada and U.S. plants, in Woodbridge, Ontario, Monday, Feb. 3, 2025. (Chris Young/The Canadian Press via AP, File)

FILE - An employee works on the production line at the Martinrea auto parts manufacturing plant that supplies auto parts to Canada and U.S. plants, in Woodbridge, Ontario, Monday, Feb. 3, 2025. (Chris Young/The Canadian Press via AP, File)

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