Trump takes economic message to Michigan as popularity dwindles | Donald Trump News

When the industry was roaring, Michigan – home to three major auto manufacturers – was at the center of manufacturing in the United States.

Then as globalization took hold and many US factories closed as outsourcing led to the loss of millions of manufacturing jobs in the 1980s and 1990s, the Midwest became a symbol of what happens to regions during deindustrialization.

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President Donald Trump spoke in Michigan at the General Motors (GM) plant on Monday to outline his vision and promote his economic policies – a move that will prove the weight of the government’s political and financial resources.

“We are doing very well as a country,” Trump said as supporters held signs reading “American Jobs”.

“We are building more auto factories and more plants than at any time in our nation’s history.”

Trumpet they beat Michigan in 2016 and lost when he lost the presidency after four years, but he regained the government and the White House in the 2024 election.

But the approvals of the US president in the state have been successful despite the trade policies that aim to revive the industry and provide industrial jobs, which will benefit Michigan.

An EPIC-MRA poll last month showed Trump’s approval rating at 33 percent less than two years after he won the state with 49.73 percent of the vote.

“Economy is the driving force behind this,” David Dulio, a political science professor at Oakland University, north of Detroit, said of Trump’s popularity in Michigan.

“There are some people who are concerned about foreign policy and a few other things, but I think that the approval of the president often has economic indicators, and Trump’s too.”

The White House is committing billions to Michigan’s economy, including the expansion of the “Big Three” automakers – GM, Ford and Stellantis.

Trump has called the US the “hottest country” in the world, saying his administration is attracting billions of dollars into the country.

But Dulio said that this method does not agree with the voters.

“People don’t connect these announcements and tangible numbers with what’s going on in their daily lives like they do with fuel or grocery prices,” he told Al Jazeera.

Besides being an industrial center, Michigan is also a major trade gateway between the US and Canada. So Trump’s trade war with Canada has created uncertainty in Michigan, dampening celebrations at Monday’s opening of a new bridge between the two countries. Detroit River.

Last year, a United Auto Workers (UAW), one of the largest unions in North America, which has traditionally sided with Democrats and has largely criticized Trump, received tariffs on the President’s car last year.

Mr. Dulio said that while pushing for reform could, on paper, appeal to Michigan residents, voters are more focused on their immediate needs.

“People are seeing gas prices going up. They have price uncertainty and tensions with Iran, and I think that’s a problem for the president right now,” he said.

So far, Trump’s policies have not translated into long-term job growth. According to federal jobs data, the economy lost 2,000 manufacturing jobs in May and added 3,000 in June.

Trump’s low approval ratings in Michigan matter because it’s a conservative state that could help elect the president in 2028.

At the same time, Michigan has an open Senate seat in the November election — one of four races called a “throw” by the Cook Political Report.

The seat is currently held by retired Democrat Gary Peters. If Republicans can change it, they could block the Democrats’ path to a Senate majority.

The Senate race will pit Republican candidate Mike Rogers against the winner of the Democratic primary — Congresswoman Haley Stevens or public health representative. Abdul Sayed who are in a fierce battle to be elected by their party.

Meanwhile, Trump is trying to make a case for his policies and his party in a government that has been important to his political progress.

On Monday, he told Michiganders that previous presidents have done nothing about other countries “stealing” American jobs.

“Finally, Michigan finally has a president who stands up for the auto workers of Michigan and puts America first,” Trump said.

The US president also marked his first 100 days in office on a conference in Michigan last year.

“Trump is coming here for a reason,” Dulio said. “He’s done well in Michigan in the past. It was key to his success in both elections. It’s also what hinders his business and manufacturing message.”