Sunday, February 15, 2026-Across Hardin County in central Kentucky, frustration is boiling over after what many hoped would be a lasting economic breakthrough turned into a painful setback. A major electric vehicle battery factory co-owned by Ford Motor Company opened with bold promises — 1,600 jobs, major investment, and the vision of transforming the region into an EV manufacturing hub. But just months after production began, the facility shut down and workers were laid off as EV demand cooled and the company adjusted its strategy. For many residents watching the plant go quiet, the blame is landing squarely on Ford rather than national politics.
The political backdrop cannot be ignored. The federal EV tax credit expired in late 2025 following changes under the current administration, reshaping the electric vehicle market and tightening consumer demand. Yet in this deeply conservative region, where support for Donald Trump remains strong, frustration is focused more on corporate decision-making than on Washington policy. Many laid-off workers argue that regardless of shifting incentives, Ford made the call to scale back operations — and that accountability should follow the decision-makers.
This moment reflects a sharper reality for communities betting on advanced manufacturing for growth. Economic development today moves fast, and corporate pivots can hit harder than policy shifts. As Ford works to retool operations and signals plans to restore thousands of jobs by 2027, residents are weighing promises against experience. The urgency is clear: communities want investment that lasts, jobs that stick, and leadership — corporate or political — that delivers results now, not years down the line.
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