Ford Motor Company is pushing back against Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy after he sent a letter criticizing the automaker for its business relationships with Chinese companies, The Hill reported. The company released a sharp response on Tuesday, labeling the accusations as a “wrongheaded attempt to capture headlines” rather than a genuine inquiry into its manufacturing operations. In his letter addressed to Chief Executive Jim Farley last week, Duffy expressed profound concern regarding what he described as a reliance on technologies of foreign adversaries. He argued that when a company intentionally chooses to deepen operational dependencies on strategic competitors, it fails to act as the reliable partner the American public and this DOT require. A major point of contention for the secretary involves Ford’s connection to Amperex Technology Co., which is a Chinese battery manufacturer currently included on the Defense Department list of banned companies. Duffy urged the company to prioritize American workers and supply chains, noting that iconic American companies are expected to out-innovate competitors and must chart clear paths to technological self-reliance. Ford is not taking these claims lying down A company spokesperson fired back on Tuesday, asserting that the automaker is the most American automaker in the industry. They pointed out that Ford produces more vehicles in the U.S., employs more hourly manufacturing workers, and exports more vehicles from the U.S. than any other automaker. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy sharply criticized Ford's business with Chinese automotive firms, saying the company’s “reliance on technologies of foreign adversaries” isn’t sustainable for America. https://t.co/Nx7NXfmnsL— The Wall Street Journal (@WSJ) September 8, 2026 Ford is leaning into its domestic manufacturing footprint as a defense against these allegations. The spokesperson further noted that while their crosstown rivals and foreign-based competitors increasingly rely on foreign-made vehicles from Japan, Mexico, and Korea, Ford is doubling down on America. Regarding the specific concerns about battery technology, the Ford spokesperson clarified that the relationship with Amperex is a limited technology-licensing and services agreement, not a joint venture or foreign-owned manufacturing operation. The company also accused the secretary of including “factual errors” in his letter, specifically regarding claims that Ford delayed moving production of its Lincoln model to the U.S. The Ford spokesperson mentioned that the company supports the Trump administration’s vision for advancing American innovation and manufacturing. “Had Secretary Duffy reached out before issuing his letter to the press, we would have been happy to share more details about Ford’s U.S. commitment,” they added.