Former US President Donald Trump has set his sights on an unexpected addition to his legacy: introducing so-called 'tiny cars' to American roads.
A Social Media Declaration
In a post on his TruthSocial platform on December 5, 2025, Trump declared he had effectively given the green light for the compact vehicles. "I have just approved TINY CARS to be built in America," he wrote, adding that manufacturers had long wanted to produce them. He described the petrol, electric, or hybrid vehicles as "inexpensive, safe, fuel efficient and, quite simply, AMAZING!!!"
Trump, whose tenure is often defined by trade wars and Supreme Court appointments, suggested this move could be a lasting part of his record. He concluded the statement by thanking the Department of Justice and the Departments of Transportation and Environment.
The Kei Car Inspiration and a Complicated Path
The proposed vehicles are similar to Japan's popular kei cars – ultra-compact, fuel-efficient models that have a cult following abroad. Reports indicate Trump developed a fondness for them during a recent trip.
However, the road to American production is fraught with obstacles. Currently, these miniature vehicles are banned by federal transport regulators as they fail to meet various US safety standards. While they promise lower costs and greater efficiency, their viability in a nation known for its 'supersized' culture and vast highways is questionable.
Earlier in the week, Trump expressed his curiosity to reporters outside the White House, calling the cars "very small, really cute," and questioning how they would fare in the US market. "But we are not allowed to make them in this country," he noted, before adding, "I think you are going to do very well with those cars, so we’re gonna approve those cars."
Official Warnings and Potential Niches
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy confirmed he had been directed to prepare for domestic manufacturing of the mini-cars. However, he offered a stark warning about their limitations. "Are they going to work on the freeways? Probably not," Duffy stated in a CNBC interview.
He suggested their future might lie in dense urban environments, emphasising their affordability. "They may be better suited to dense cities," Duffy argued, calling them "much more affordable than the other options that are on the market today."
This initiative highlights a significant clash between an ambitious political vision and the practical realities of automotive regulation and consumer preference. Whether American roads will ever see these tiny cars remains an open question, caught between presidential enthusiasm and regulatory hurdles.
