The president spoke to thousands of supporters near Detroit on Monday ahead of Michigan’s primary elections.
MILFORD, Mich.—President Donald Trump became the first commander in chief to visit General Motors’ Milford Proving Ground outside of Detroit on Monday before telling a crowd of supporters his policies are correcting years of damage done to the American automobile industry by prior administrations.
“For decades, the auto workers and manufacturers of this great state were sold out and betrayed by globalist politicians and corrupt special interests who let other countries steal your jobs, pillage your factories, and loot the crown jewels of American industry from Detroit and all over our country,” Trump said. “They were ripping us off, not only in the auto business, but in many other businesses.”
The president implemented a series of measures to bolster domestic auto manufacturing since taking office for a second time, including rescinding electric vehicle mandates, eliminating strict efficiency requirements, allowing “tiny car” production, and providing tax credits for interest paid on American-made vehicles, among other changes.
“Today, I’m proud to say that the auto industry is back, and America is back, and it’s pulling Detroit and Michigan along with it,” Trump said.
He also moved to protect the industry by levying tariffs on foreign trucks and automobiles.
“They were killing us in trucks, and now we’re killing them,” Trump said. “My policy is simple. If you make your truck or your car in a foreign country, you have to pay for the privilege of sending it into our market and making a lot of money.”
Mary Barra, GM’s chair and CEO, welcomed him to the stage after touring the approximately 4,000-acre facility, including a collection of historic automobiles.
“For 100 years, we have engineered and built our vehicles right here at home, because GM’s story is part of this country’s story,” Barra said. “This month, we celebrate America’s 250th anniversary, and I want to recognize the people who built this country like the talented and dedicated team members with us today.”
The company, which is the largest employer among American automakers, will invest $16 billion on research, development, and manufacturing in the United States, expanding operations, she said.
Trump thanked the engineers at the “world-famous” facility responsible for designing and testing the president’s armored limousines, known as “The Beast,” while recognizing the long automotive history at the proving ground.
“This land bears the tire marks of every model of the legendary Chevy Corvette,” Trump said. “It bears the scars of the first auto safety test.”
Audience members, including many GM employees, waited hours before doors opened at 11 a.m. to gain access to the standing-room-only crowd.
“It was workers like you who built this country. And now it’s the men and women like you who are making it bigger, better, richer, and stronger than ever before,” Trump said.
