Union Workers Decry “Slap in the Face” as Trump Ally Offshores Ohio Jobs

A political and corporate firestorm is brewing in Eastlake, Ohio, as workers at Conn Selmer—the largest U.S. manufacturer of brass and orchestral instruments—confront a planned shutdown of their facility. The plant’s owner, hedge fund billionaire and high-profile Trump donor John Paulson, intends to offshore the majority of the work to China by June 2026, a move that would eliminate 150 local jobs.

The decision has sparked intense backlash due to Paulson’s public role as a vocal advocate for the Trump administration’s “America First” trade policies and domestic manufacturing protections.

The Hypocrisy Allegations

Union leaders and workers have highlighted the stark contrast between Paulson’s political rhetoric and his corporate actions.

• Public Stance: As recently as late 2024 and 2025, Paulson appeared on major networks like CNBC praising the administration’s tariffs as essential tools to “protect American jobs” and prevent offshoring.
• Corporate Reality: Despite his public support for tariffs, Conn Selmer (a subsidiary of Paulson & Co.’s Steinway Musical Instruments) opened a facility in China last year. Workers claim parts were gradually shifted overseas even while they were being assured their Ohio jobs were secure.
• Contract Negotiations: Robert Hines, president of UAW Local 2359, reported that the company opened recent contract negotiations not with a proposal, but with a presentation on how “badly” the plant was performing, subsequently announcing the closure.

Workers Appeal to the President

The Eastlake plant is a cornerstone of the local economy, and its closure would end a 150-year legacy of domestic instrument manufacturing. Distraught employees are now calling on President Trump to intervene personally.

• The Connection: Paulson was one of Trump’s earliest Wall Street backers, raising over $50 million for his 2024 campaign. While he was a top contender for Treasury Secretary, he eventually withdrew from consideration due to “complex financial obligations.”
• The “Persuasion” Strategy: Hines and other union members hope the President can leverage his friendship with Paulson to reverse the decision, similar to high-profile interventions with companies like Carrier in 2016.

“To go publicly on CNBC to support the Trump administration’s positive views on tariffs and all that stuff, and then you turn around and want to go send the work right over to China… it’s a slap in our face.” — Robert Hines, UAW Local 2359 President

Key Players in the Conn Selmer Dispute