Former President Donald Trump delivered remarks to an economic group in Detroit, where he criticized the city and warned that the whole country could end up like Detroit if his Democratic opponent, Vice President Kamala Harris, is elected. Trump made conflicting statements about Detroit, calling it a “developing” city while also implying that it would become a negative example for the rest of the country. His speech was aimed at appealing to the auto industry, a key segment of the population in Michigan’s largest city.
Democrats in the state, including Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan and U.S. Rep. Shri Thanedar, quickly criticized Trump for his comments. They highlighted Detroit’s recent drop in crime rates and growing population as signs of progress that were achieved without Trump’s help. Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel also condemned Trump’s remarks, calling him out for insulting the city while trying to win votes in the state. Governor Gretchen Whitmer expressed confidence that Detroiters would remember Trump’s comments come November.
In response to Trump’s criticisms, Vice President Kamala Harris praised Detroit as a “great city” while also criticizing Trump for trashing American cities during his campaign appearances. Wayne County, where Detroit is located, has historically not been supportive of Trump, with the president losing by large margins in both 2016 and 2020. Trump’s campaign defended his remarks, blaming globalist policies championed by Kamala Harris for Detroit’s struggles and promising that his policies would bring economic success and stability to the city.
Despite Trump’s remarks, many in Detroit feel that the city has made significant progress in recent years. Nearly a decade after emerging from bankruptcy, Detroit has stabilized its finances, improved city services, and reduced blight across its 139 square miles. The city has become a destination for conventions and events, such as setting attendance records for the NFL draft and hosting sports events that draw thousands of visitors. Some event attendees understood Trump’s comments about Detroit to reference the city’s past financial troubles, while others viewed it as a negative portrayal of the city’s current progress.
Trump’s criticism of Detroit is not a new occurrence, as he has a history of insulting the city during his campaign appearances. While in New York, he frequently bashed Detroit, calling it dirty and crime-ridden, and suggesting that its predominantly Democratic residents could be swayed to vote for him based on concerns about safety and migration. The remarks made by Trump in Detroit have sparked controversy and criticism from politicians, residents, and attendees of the event. It remains to be seen how his comments will impact the upcoming election in November.
