Former President Donald Trump has announced that he will be traveling to Michigan next week to visit striking autoworkers, rather than participating in the second Republican presidential debate. This decision follows his absence from the first debate last month, as he shifts his focus towards the 2024 election against President Joe Biden.
Trump has been actively supporting the striking autoworkers, framing himself as sympathetic towards their cause. He has also accused President Biden of attempting to undermine the car industry through his plans to promote electric cars and green energy policies.
The visit to Michigan on September 27th will include a primetime speech, according to a source familiar with Trump’s plans. Meanwhile, the other Republican candidates will convene at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in California for the debate.
Throughout his political career, Trump has positioned himself as a champion for the working class. He has consistently campaigned in Rust Belt towns, which have been negatively impacted by the decline in mining and manufacturing industries. The former president’s visit to East Palestine, Ohio earlier this year was seen as a crucial moment in his campaign, as he sought to regain support following the 2020 election.
However, Trump’s actions during his time in office have diminished his credibility with organized labor, according to Dave Green, a UAW regional director. Green stated that the UAW would not endorse Trump, as they see his motives as purely political.
In response to Trump’s claims that electric cars would be manufactured in China, Biden’s campaign spokesperson, Ammar Moussa, accused Trump of using distractions to divert attention from his own failures in supporting American workers.
Sources:
– The New York Times
– Associated Press