On September 27th, 2024, Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump visited the manufacturing hub of Michigan to attend two campaign rallies, where he discussed various economic policies and vowed to “revitalize American manufacturing” while protecting jobs in the country. This marked Trump’s tenth visit to Michigan since announcing his candidacy.
In Kent County’s Walker city, Trump delivered a 75-minute speech at FALK company, known for manufacturing metal panels. He then headed to Warren city to participate in a town hall event hosted by Republican Senator Marsha Blackburn, delivering a 35-minute speech at Macomb Community College.
During his speeches, Trump focused on illegal immigration and economic issues, addressing questions from five auto workers primarily concerning the automotive industry, inflation, and energy costs. He emphasized achieving his grand goal by offering the lowest tax rates, energy costs, and regulatory burdens.
“I want German car companies to be American car companies. I want them to manufacture cars in this country, not in Germany,” Trump told the crowd. “I want Asian electronics companies to be Michigan’s electronics companies.” “I want every manufacturer who leaves us to be filled with regret.”
When asked by the audience in Warren city about his plans to address rising inflation and living costs, Trump stated that if elected, he would reduce energy costs by 50% in the first year. “It starts with energy. We have to drill, baby, drill,” Trump said. “When energy costs go down, everything else will follow suit.”
According to data from the American Automobile Association (AAA), on Friday, the price of unleaded gasoline in Michigan was around $3.46 per gallon.
The Republican Party held campaign events in the third and fourth most populous counties in Michigan. Trump won the third largest county, Macomb County, in the last two presidential elections, defeating Biden four years ago with a 53%-45% vote share. In Kent County, once considered a Republican stronghold, Trump lost to Biden in 2020 by a margin of 46% to 52%.
Michigan is one of seven battleground states expected to determine the outcome of the 2024 presidential election between Trump and Harris.