United States President Donald Trump clarified on Monday that Stellantis N.V. Chairman John Elkann did not request a pause in auto tariffs during their recent meeting at the Oval Office. The statement came following speculation about whether the automotive industry was seeking relief from current trade policies.

Trump confirmed that the two did meet earlier in the day but stated that the conversation focused primarily on environmental issues. “There was no discussion of pausing tariffs,” Trump said, putting to rest rumors that the chairman had lobbied for a break in U.S. import duties.

Instead, Trump highlighted that the meeting addressed regulatory matters related to the environment. He noted that the United States would “probably go back to the 2020 standard,” referencing a potential rollback of recent environmental policy changes enacted after that year.

This statement signals the Trump administration's intent to revisit prior benchmarks on emissions and automotive efficiency, which were less stringent compared to newer regulations. The move could benefit automakers by easing compliance burdens and reducing operational costs, though it may face opposition from environmental groups.

The mention of the 2020 standards aligns with Trump’s broader strategy of regulatory simplification and economic support for domestic manufacturing. By returning to earlier policies, the administration aims to strike a balance between industrial growth and environmental oversight.

The clarification about the absence of a tariff discussion is also notable, as the auto industry remains a focal point in U.S. trade negotiations. Trump’s firm stance on tariffs has been a hallmark of his trade policy, especially in dealing with European and Asian automakers.

While no direct policy changes were announced during the meeting, Trump’s remarks suggest that his administration continues to prioritize environmental deregulation and trade policy consistency. Further announcements may follow as the White House evaluates feedback from key industry leaders like Stellantis.