Senator Marsha Blackburn Sparks Backlash Over Facebook Post for Schneider Electric Facility
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| Senator Marsha Blackburn Sparks Backlash Over Facebook Post Crediting Trump for Schneider Electric Facility |
The Post That Sparked the Firestorm
On May 2, 2025, Senator Blackburn took to Facebook to celebrate a visit to Schneider Electric’s new facility in Mt. Juliet, Tennessee. But it wasn’t just a photo-op.
“It was so exciting to tour Schneider Electric’s new facility in Middle Tennessee and see how the Trump administration’s investment is empowering hardworking Tennesseans and Americans.”
Almost immediately, critics pushed back, pointing out that the $85 million investment Blackburn referenced was announced more than a year earlier—under President Biden.
The Real Timeline: Biden-Era Deal, Trump-Era Add-On
In March 2024, Schneider Electric announced plans to:
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Invest $85 million
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Transform a 500,000-square-foot facility in Mt. Juliet
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Upgrade its Smyrna location
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Create 455 new jobs across Tennessee
The project was explicitly tied to Biden-era legislation, including the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the Inflation Reduction Act.
Schneider’s Own Words:
“These investments will support implementation of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and Inflation Reduction Act... and further position Schneider Electric as a driving force behind this country’s clean energy transition.”
— Aamir Paul, President of North America Operations, Schneider Electric
That quote alone directly undercuts Blackburn’s claim and credits the policies of President Joe Biden, not Donald Trump.
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| Senator Blackburn’s post on Tennessee facility sparks confusion, criticism |
Online Blowback and Media Scrutiny
Blackburn’s post quickly came under fire. Progressive watchdog The Tennessee Holler labeled it as “misleading,” while commenters flooded the post with fact checks, links, and sarcastic rebuttals.
A sample comment:
“Isn’t it wild how Trump got credit for a facility announced before he was even elected again?”
Others questioned whether this was a calculated attempt to reframe economic developments in the lead-up to the 2026 midterms.
White House Response: A Strategic Countermove
That same day, the Trump White House posted a list of new private-sector investments, suggesting they were driven by Trump’s return to office. Among them: a $700 million, four-year commitment from Schneider Electric, announced on March 25, 2025.
This new announcement did follow Trump’s return to the presidency and included the construction of a new facility adjacent to the one previously announced in 2024.
It’s a clever pivot—but also a clear distinction. Blackburn referenced the original Mt. Juliet facility, not the newer expansion.
Fact Check Summary
| Facility | Announced | Administration | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mt. Juliet Facility | March 14, 2024 | Biden | $85M | Referenced by Blackburn |
| Adjacent Facility | March 25, 2025 | Trump | $700M | Announced later |
Why This Matters
This isn’t just a case of political misattribution—it’s a window into how facts get blurred in partisan narratives. Infrastructure investments are often the result of long-term planning, bipartisan votes, and multi-administration implementation. But in the age of social media politics, the temptation to claim quick wins often overshadows those realities.
“It’s not just about who gets credit. It’s about telling the truth,” one local union leader told The Tennessean. “Workers deserve better than spin.”
Schneider Electric: Caught in the Crossfire
To date, Schneider Electric has not issued a public response to the political tension surrounding its Tennessee operations. But the company’s dual announcements reflect a nuanced, two-phase expansion—one grounded in Biden’s clean energy policy, the other following Trump’s pro-business rhetoric.
The real takeaway? Tennessee is benefitting. Hundreds of jobs, millions in investment, and a spotlight on clean energy tech.
But who gets the credit? That depends on whether you check the dates—or just read the headlines.
Final Thought: Infrastructure Is Bigger Than One President
Senator Blackburn’s post may have sparked a political fight, but it also shows something bigger: America’s industrial momentum doesn’t belong to one party. It’s built through legislation, investment, and workers on the ground—regardless of who takes the tour photo.
