Updated at 6:40 p.m.
DETROIT – President Donald Trump visited Detroit to highlight his perceived economic successes despite early challenges and criticism over high prices and aggressive immigration policies. Speaking at the Detroit Economic Club, Trump claimed the U.S. economy was thriving, even as the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported a 2.7% rise in prices over the past year, fueling Democratic concerns about affordability.
Trump dismissed these criticisms, blaming Democrats for initial high costs. “They’re coming down much faster than anyone can remember it,” he stated, emphasizing a significant drop in prices and growth in the economy.
Before Trump’s speech, two protesters were arrested near the MotorCity Casino. Organized by BAMN, the protest highlighted opposition to his policies. Trump also announced plans to lower drug prices with pharmaceutical companies, though details were lacking.
He attributed potential energy price reductions to the removal of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, though experts express skepticism. Trump’s visit coincided with the Detroit Auto Show, but came amid reports of declining factory jobs, with an 8,000 job drop in December.
Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell faced Trump’s criticism for not lowering interest rates quickly enough, as Trump called Powell “a jerk.” A grand jury subpoena over Federal Reserve renovations has sparked bipartisan concerns about the independence of the Fed.
Trump veers into vitriol against Democrats, those who oppose him
Trump labeled Democrats “evil” for opposing his policies as the economy improves, particularly targeting immigration strategies. He reiterated claims that immigrants targeted by ICE were criminals and criticized Somalis and African Muslims, singling out U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar.
Trump proposed denaturalizing Somali Americans accused of fraud, citing a controversial report from the Center for Immigration Studies, noting high public assistance rates among Somali households.
Republicans happy with Trump view, policies on economy
Key Republican figures attended Trump’s speech, including Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt and House Speaker Matt Hall. Trump’s positive economic outlook was seen as beneficial for Republicans in upcoming elections, with Hall noting the lag in economic impact felt by the public.
Democrats of all stripes decry Trump’s address, economic policies
Democrats criticized Trump’s economic policies, with Mary Buchzeig, CEO of Lucerne International, warning tariffs could harm long-term competitiveness. Michigan Democratic Party Chair Curtis Hertel highlighted affordability issues, accusing Trump of being out-of-touch.
Levi Teitel from Progress Michigan accused Trump of misleading business leaders, while Katie Smith from the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee criticized Republicans for supporting policies raising costs for Michiganders.
Among protesters, teacher Matthew Nickerson expressed concerns over Trump’s policies affecting his students, warning of an authoritarian shift. Nickerson stated, “We’re a Title I school…losing funding, and we have a huge English-language learner population that we’re just trying to protect.”
This story was updated with additional comments.
This story was originally produced by Michigan Advance, part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and donors as a 501c(3) public charity.
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