Ford’s Top Lobbyist to Depart Carmaker Amid US Policy Upheaval

Ford Motor Co.’s chief government affairs officer is leaving the automaker as the industry confronts rapid shifts in key policies by the Trump administration.

Christopher Smith, who has lead Ford’s global efforts on legislation, regulation and government policies worldwide since 2022, is expected to depart the automaker, according to people familiar with the plans who asked not to be identified revealing internal matters. The reason for his departure is unclear, though one of the people said it’s expected within weeks.

Last year, Smith led negotiations between the company and the Trump administration to preserve important tax credits for ...