Trump’s 10th Visit to Michigan in Bid for Presidency
Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump asserted his desire to “reclaim America’s manufacturing power” during two campaign stops in Michigan on Friday. As Trump was making these promises, Democrats launched criticism concerning the records of jobs during his first term as president. The former president’s focus rested heavily on the economy and illegal immigration.
Trump’s Economic Promises
Trump laid out his strategy to achieve his ambitious goals of bringing manufacturing jobs back to America. These include offering businesses the lowest tax rates, lowest energy costs, and least regulatory burdens.
He specifically expressed a desire for German and Asian companies to build their products in America rather than overseas, stating, “I want German car companies to be American car companies. I want them to build their cars in this country, not in Germany. I want Asian electronics companies to become Michigan electronics companies.”
Discussing the issues of rising inflation and the cost of living, Trump pledged to lower energy bills by 50% during the first year of his presidency. He elaborated, saying that it would start “with energy. We’re going to drill, baby, drill…” Trump firmly believes that with a decrease in energy costs, all other prices will follow suit.
Criticism and Responses
However, as Trump touted future planning for the revival of the economy, Democrats criticized his past economic track record. Vice President Kamala Harris jabbed at Trump’s performance during his first term, labelling him “one of the biggest losers of manufacturing in American history.”
Harris, the Democratic nominee, in her statement, contended, “American workers deserve a leader who keeps their promises and stands with workers when it matters, and as president, I will bring autoworker jobs back to this country…”
Trump on Cars and Foreign Policy
Interestingly, the topic of cars came up in Trump’s town hall in Warren. When asked about his favorite car, he fondly mentioned Cadillac, a preference he inherited from his father. Touching lightly on foreign policy, Trump committed to ending all ongoing wars if reelected
The Voting Landscape
With election day nearing, Trump didn’t miss the chance to instigate enthusiasm for voting among his supporters, repeatedly emphasizing the importance of their votes in Michigan. “By the way,” the Republican said, “we win Michigan, we win it all.”
Addressing concerns on Electric Vehicles
Trump further expressed his concerns about the rise of electric vehicles and how it could potentially jeopardize the position of the U.S in the auto industry. Arguing that China will monopolize the field because it has the materials needed for electric vehicles, Trump questioned, “Why are we making a product that they dominate?”
Contrary Views on Electric Vehicles
However, not everyone agrees with Trump’s stance on electric vehicles. United Auto Workers leader, Shawn Fain, stated that Trump displayed a ‘losing mentality’ on the future of electric vehicles in the U.S and was unsuccessful in supporting the auto industry during his presidency.
In fact, Fain points out that about 20-30 battery plants are under construction or planned in the U.S, thanks to the efforts of the Biden-Harris administration. Also, automotive forecasting firm, AutoForecast Solutions LLC, confirmed the number of battery plants attached to major manufacturers that will be arriving within the next five years.
Continuing the Campaign Trail
Trump’s campaign in Michigan is showing no signs of slowing down. With another campaign stop scheduled next week, the eyes of the nation will be on the Great Lakes State as the election looms.
