David Perdue dismisses criticism leveled against GM by Trump and others

Sen. David Perdue, R-Ga., in an interview Thursday dismissed the sharp criticism of General Motors from President Trump and others, saying the automaker is responding to competitive pressure and taking steps to ensure its viability long term.

Trump and many in Congress have tried to browbeat GM into reversing a controversial decision to shutter plants in Maryland, Michigan, and Ohio, a move that could eliminate thousands of jobs. The Detroit manufacturer is casting blame on an array of factors, particularly shifting consumer tastes that have significantly reduced demand for the automobiles produced in the affected facilities.