Audi CEO Gernot Döllner criticised after appearance at Donald Trump rally

Audi’s chief executive Gernot Döllner drew fierce criticism in Germany after appearing on stage with US President Donald Trump at a campaign rally where he announced plans for a new Audi factory in the state of Georgia.

Trade union leader Christiane Benner said the way Döllner presented himself and the company in the United States was “highly embarrassing, politically unacceptable and unworthy of the company — and above all of Audi's employees.” Her comments underscored concern inside Germany that the CEO’s appearance crossed established rules of political neutrality. ([derstandard.de](https://www.derstandard.de/story/3000000345948/hoechst-peinlich-nicht-wuerdig-ig-metall-kritisiert-audi-chef-fuer-auftritt-mit-trump?utm_source=openai))

Workers' representatives demand answers

Daniela Cavallo, chair of the works council, called the episode “a serious problem from many angles” and warned that people who heard the US president’s speech and then saw a member of Audi’s executive board take an active role at the event “should sink into the ground in shame.” Cavallo also said the employee side on Volkswagen’s supervisory board had been informed less than 48 hours before the joint appearance. ([ndr.de](https://www.ndr.de/nachrichten/niedersachsen/neues-us-werk-von-audi-vw-betriebsrat-haelt-auftritt-fuer-beschaemend%2Cvw-1648.html?utm_source=openai))

The announcement in Georgia included a plan for a plant that, according to company statements, would produce roughly 200,000 vehicles a year focused on larger models and SUVs. It is not yet clear what reciprocal arrangements, if any, Audi or the Volkswagen Group would receive for the investment. Final approval for the project still requires sign-off by Volkswagen’s corporate bodies, notably the Supervisory Board. ([ksat.com](https://www.ksat.com/gallery/news/2026/10/25/trump-announces-at-a-georgia-campaign-rally-that-audi-will-build-a-new-auto-factory-in-the-state/?utm_source=openai))

Critics from across the political spectrum urged Volkswagen to draw consequences. CDU worker representative Dennis Radtke described turning an investment announcement into a campaign spectacle as “disturbing and pathetic,” saying President Trump’s policies had already harmed German industry and that the group needed to protect jobs and production sites at home. IG Metall has said worker representatives expect clarity about the companies’ strategy for North America and the future of production in Germany. ([marketscreener.com](https://www.marketscreener.com/news/ig-metall-chief-criticizes-audi-ceo-s-appearance-at-trump-campaign-event-ce785cdcd98efe27?utm_source=openai))

Audi’s published code of conduct emphasizes political neutrality, including a provision that public events with parties or politicians should not be organized or sponsored in the three months before elections — though sources say the executive board can approve exceptions. The episode has intensified debate inside the group about governance, worker consultation and the balance between international investment and commitments to German sites. ([audi.com](https://www.audi.com/en/biographies/gernot-doellner-chairman-of-the-board-of-management-15562?utm_source=openai))

Photo: press material from the event