Trump signs memo to ease vehicle repair access

President Donald Trump signed a memorandum on Monday aimed at making it easier for Americans to repair their own vehicles, a move that supports the "right-to-repair" movement. The memorandum seeks to counter restrictions imposed by automakers on independent mechanics' and owners' access to diagnostic software, repair information, and specialized tools. Right-to-repair advocates argue these limitations increase repair costs and limit consumer options, while automakers maintain these restrictions are crucial for ensuring vehicle safety, cybersecurity, and emissions compliance.

Trump stated that this action is a continuation of a similar order he issued earlier this year concerning farm equipment and non-road machinery, calling the move "common sense." Earlier reports indicated that auto executives from General Motors and Ford, along with businessman Roger Penske, met with Trump to discuss vehicle repair issues. Industry groups like the Alliance for Auto Innovation have cited security and safety risks as reasons for limiting unrestricted access to onboard computer data.

In a separate development, Trump also urged gasoline retailers to lower prices immediately, warning of "big problems" if they did not and suggesting a target of around $2.50 a gallon. He also stated he had instructed the Department of Justice to investigate oil companies for "gouging" customers amid falling crude costs. Oil prices had spiked earlier in the year due to geopolitical tensions involving Iran and Israel.