Trump initiates a conflict with Detroit
In comments presented at the Detroit Economic Club, Trump expressed his thoughts on his vision for the automobile sector, stating, "If Harris becomes president, our nation will resemble Detroit, leaving you in a chaotic state."
He further criticized Harris for allegedly "destroying" San Francisco and expressed his intention to prevent such damage from happening nationwide.
Similarly, Trump likened Detroit to an emerging nation, blaming China for exploiting its status in international trade negotiations.
"We're also a developing nation. Take a look at Detroit," he said, describing the city as a "developing area... more flourishing than most areas in China."
Despite Detroit's reduction in size and economic strength from its early 20th century peak, its recovery from bankruptcy proceedings in 2013 and the continued growth of its downtown area have been sources of pride for Detroiters and Michigan leaders. During Trump's visit to the city, thousands of fans were drawn to Detroit for a playoff baseball game and the inaugural game of the Detroit Red Wings season. The city reported an increase in population for the first time since 1957 during the time period between July 2022 and July 2023, as announced earlier this year by the city government.
Trump has a history of disparaging urban centers across the nation, including potentially crucial states for his political aspirations. In a similar vein, he sparked controversy earlier this year by labeling Milwaukee, a significant city in Wisconsin, as "awful," when discussing crime and election concerns. He subsequently assured Wisconsin voters, "I adore Milwaukee," and selected the city to host the Republican National Convention.
During his speech at the Detroit Economic Club, Trump expressed a desire to mark his tenure with the "triumph of the American auto industry," and pledged a "revitalization" of Detroit, detailing his plans to boost the US automobile industry and manufacturing, along with a proposal to render car loan interest fully tax-deductible.
"By the conclusion of my term, people worldwide will be discussing the Michigan miracle, and Detroit's spectacular resurrection," he declared.
Trump expressed faith in Detroit's potential rebound, stating he has been "reading about Detroit for so long, only to witness its progress. It's coming around, though it never truly reached its zenith."
"If the auto industry flourishes, grows, and strengthens, you won't have to worry about Detroit. It will thrive once more," he reassured.
Joe Biden defeated Trump by more than 30 points in Wayne County, which encompasses Detroit, in the 2020 election. Trump is attempting to gain ground in traditionally blue regions this year, hoping to diminish Democratic margins and attract votes from demographics like Black and Arab American constituencies.
In response to Trump's criticisms, Detroit City leaders and Democrats from across the state defended the city, with Mayor Mike Duggan emphasizing the city's achievements, such as hosting the NFL Draft and experiencing a decrease in violent crime and population growth.
Michigan Democratic Party Chair Lavora Barnes criticized Trump for frequently holding grudges against places with prominent Black communities, saying, "Regardless of what Trump thinks, we are proud to be a city that manages to bounce back, despite any obstacles thrown at us. We will be the ones to show Trump the exit, given Michigan's pivotal role as a crucial battleground state."
A representative from the Trump campaign in Michigan defended Trump's perspective on Detroit, claiming he "remembers when Detroit was renowned for its success in the automobile industry and revolutionized the sector," and emphasized how the city has suffered due to global policies, championed by Kamala Harris, that have led to manufacturing being outsourced.
"As President Trump emphasized in his speech, his policies will bring about a new age of economic prosperity and stability for Detroit, allowing the city to reach its utmost potential," Trump Michigan Communications Director Victoria LaCivita concluded in a statement.
Vice presidential candidate Sen. JD Vance also campaigned in Detroit on that day.
CNN's Alayna Treene contributed to this report.
Trump's critique of Kamala Harris extends beyond San Francisco, as he believes her policies would lead to Detroit's demise, similar to what he sees as her impact on San Francisco.
During his Detroit Economic Club speech, Trump highlighted Detroit's potential for revitalization in the automobile industry and promised a "Michigan miracle" if his policies are implemented.
