Audi CEO's Appearance at Trump Rally Sparks Rebuke from Top German Union

The head of Germany's most powerful industrial union has sharply criticized Audi CEO Gernot Doellner for appearing alongside U.S. President Donald Trump at a political rally, calling the move "deeply embarrassing" and a violation of corporate guidelines.

Union Condemns Political Appearance

Christiane Benner, head of Germany's IG Metall union, issued a statement on Monday calling the CEO's joint appearance with Trump "politically unacceptable and unworthy of the company."

Benner asserted that the action violated Audi's own code of conduct. According to the union, the company's rules stipulate that no "public engagements with political parties or politicians standing for election" should occur in the three months preceding an election.

Details of the US Investment

Doellner appeared on stage with Trump at a rally in Perry, Georgia, on Saturday to announce plans for a new $4 billion assembly plant. The proposed facility is slated to produce 200,000 SUVs annually.

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The investment plan, which the company has considered for years as a way to mitigate the impact of U.S. tariffs, has not been finalized. It still requires approval from the supervisory board of Audi's parent company, Volkswagen.

Broader Context for Volkswagen

The controversy surrounding the U.S. expansion comes at a sensitive time for the Volkswagen Group. The German automotive giant is currently executing its largest corporate restructuring in history.

This overhaul includes significant job cuts and potential plant closures in its domestic market. The timing of a major overseas investment announcement at a political event has therefore drawn heightened scrutiny from labor representatives in Germany.