President Donald Trump visited a General Motors testing facility in Milford, Michigan on Monday to defend his tariff policies, arguing they have revived American manufacturing and the auto industry. The visit comes as many state businesses report economic harm from the sweeping tariffs imposed on Canada and other trading partners.
During the facility tour, Trump watched Corvette, Cadillac and Hummer vehicles compete in drag races and praised GM's plans to expand domestic production. In his remarks, he told auto workers "I've done more for you than your parents, OK?" And declared himself a president standing up for them "at long last."
When addressing reporters about the automaker's performance, Trump stated: "They've come a long way. It's amazing what tariffs are doing for GM." He added: "The rest of the world doesn't love me, but that's OK. It's called 'America first.'"
The Michigan primary is scheduled for August 4. Trump called out several Republican candidates during his visit, including endorsing Rep. John James in the gubernatorial race against businessman Perry Johnson. The Democratic Senate primary between Rep. Haley Stevens and Abdul El-Sayed has drawn national attention ahead of facing Republican Mike Rogers, who was narrowly defeated by Democrat Sen. Elissa Slotkin in 2024.
Michigan's economy depends heavily on Canada, and new tariffs as high as 50 percent on Canadian products including automobiles have raised economic concerns across the state alongside ongoing inflation and rising gas prices.
Curtis Hertel, chairman of the Michigan Democratic Party, said: "We're happy to have the president here, campaigning with Republicans. We think it highlights the fact that the only thing they care about is Donald Trump and refuse to stand up to him. It's good for us every time the president is here because he's incredibly unpopular."
This marks Trump's third Michigan visit in his second term, following a January Ford plant visit and a rally in Warren in early 2025. His latest visit coincides with tensions between the administration and Canada over a new international bridge. Canada held a separate event Friday celebrating the opening of the $4.7 billion Gordie Howe International Bridge rather than joining a planned joint U.S.-Canada ceremony, which was canceled after Trump announced the new tariffs.