Donald Trump focuses on Michigan: The battle for the auto industry

Two days after an alleged assassination attempt, former President Donald J. Trump appeared unshaken in Flint, Michigan, maintaining his current campaign course. Before enthusiastic supporters in the Dort Financial Arena, he promised to revive Michigan's auto industry through his tariff policies, thereby creating thousands of jobs. Trump emphasized that a defeat in November would have disastrous consequences and destroy automobile jobs. With his usual rhetoric, Trump made grim forecasts in the event of a loss, stating that "zero auto and manufacturing jobs" would remain if his economic policies were not implemented. His answers often drifted, as when a question from a Ford employee about the threat to manufacturing jobs led to a broad discussion on nuclear war and climate change. Trump also used the platform to announce substantial tariff increases on cars from Mexico and highlighted the escalating tensions in international trade. Additionally, he continued his allegations against China regarding the Covid pandemic and announced plans to meet with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi next week, whom he called a "great abuser" of American trade policy. In his remarks, Trump frequently deviated from key topics. While discussing energy policy, he mistakenly conflated the Bagram Airbase with the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska. Although he quickly tried to correct his mistake, his argument remained confusing for many listeners. He later emphasized that these seemingly tangential speeches were not coincidences but were methodically complex. Despite doubts about his consistency, Trump insisted on being the "one president who actually gets things done." The campaign event marked his third appearance at a town hall-like event within three weeks. Michigan remains a crucial battleground that both camps are heavily contesting in the run-up to the elections. While Trump's presidential candidate Senator JD Vance appeared in West Michigan on the same day, Vice President Kamala Harris plans a livestream with Oprah Winfrey for Thursday. Even though Trump repeatedly made false claims about his previous election victory and criticized the Biden administration's accomplishments during his 2020 campaign appearances, it remains unclear to what extent his rhetoric and promises will convince voters in the critical state.