Trump Critiques Detroit at Economic Rally
Former President Donald Trump sparked controversy during his recent speech at the Detroit Economic Club, where he claimed that if Kamala Harris were to win the presidency, the entire United States would resemble Detroit. His remarks, aimed at the auto industry, were met with swift backlash from local leaders.
Trump stated, "The whole country is going to be like — you want to know the truth? — it’s going to be like Detroit," suggesting a negative connotation associated with the city. However, he attempted to soften his critique by acknowledging Detroit's evolution, a move that many found contradictory given his earlier comments.
Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan responded emphatically, highlighting the city's recent successes, including a significant drop in crime rates, the hosting of the largest NFL Draft in history, and a revitalized sports scene with the Tigers in the playoffs and the Lions on their way to the Super Bowl. Duggan tweeted, "More cities should be like Detroit. And we did it all without help from Trump."
Local Leaders Push Back Against Trump's Remarks
In addition to Mayor Duggan, U.S. Representative Shri Thanedar and Attorney General Dana Nessel also criticized Trump's statements. Nessel quipped on social media, "This guy is calling us ugly and then asking us out on a date," emphasizing the disconnect between Trump's criticisms and his attempts to garner support in Michigan.
Governor Gretchen Whitmer echoed these sentiments, warning that Detroiters would remember Trump's comments come election time. The Trump campaign, however, defended his statements, arguing that Detroit's struggles stem from policies supported by Harris that led to manufacturing jobs being outsourced. Victoria Lakvita, Michigan communications director for the Trump campaign, stated that Trump's policies would help restore economic stability in Detroit.
Despite Trump's harsh words, many locals believe that Detroit has made significant strides over the past decade, recovering from a history of financial instability and population decline. Once a city synonymous with hardship, Detroit is now seen as a model of resilience and growth, making Trump's comments particularly contentious.
