Former President Donald Trump is set to address current and former members of the autoworkers union in Detroit on September 27th, aligning with the day of the second Republican primary debate. This announcement comes amidst ongoing strikes by autoworkers in Michigan, Missouri, and Ohio targeting major car manufacturers.
Former President Donald Trump, currently the leading contender in the GOP presidential primary, has announced plans to address a gathering of current and former autoworkers in Detroit on September 27th. This event coincides with the day of the second Republican primary debate, indicating Trump’s preference for engaging directly with his supporters rather than participating in formal debates.
Trump’s decision to forgo a presidential debate for the second time has garnered attention, as the former president opted to skip the first debate in August in favor of an interview with former Fox News host Tucker Carlson.
While details about the location of Trump’s speech are yet to be released, it is expected that he will address a crowd of over 500 union workers representing various trades, including autoworkers. Discussions regarding a visit to the ongoing picket lines have been held, although it is considered “unlikely” due to logistical challenges.
The timing of Trump’s speech during prime time is noteworthy, as it has the potential to conflict with and overshadow the GOP debate being held at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute in Simi Valley, California.
Trump’s official stance on the ongoing autoworkers’ strike has not been publicly stated. However, he recently posted on Truth Social, a social media platform he has invested in, expressing skepticism about the shift towards electric cars: “The United Autoworkers are being sold down the ‘drain’ with this all Electric Car SCAM.” In addition to his Detroit visit, Trump’s team intends to release a radio ad aimed at union workers.
In response to Trump’s upcoming visit, UAW President Shawn Fain expressed strong opposition. Fain stated, “Every fiber of our union is being poured into fighting the billionaire class and an economy that enriches people like Donald Trump at the expense of workers.” Fain criticized the trend of electing wealthy individuals who may not fully grasp the challenges faced by working-class Americans.
Trump’s campaign is set to air a radio ad in Detroit and Toledo, Ohio, targeting President Joe Biden. The ad accuses Biden of turning his back on autoworkers by allegedly supporting an agreement that benefits China’s electric car industry using American tax dollars.
A spokesperson for Biden’s campaign countered Trump’s claims, stating, “Donald Trump is going to Michigan next week to lie to Michigan workers and pretend he didn’t spend much of his entire failed presidency selling them out at every turn.”
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