Updated at 6:40 p.m.
DETROIT – On Tuesday, President Donald Trump addressed the Detroit Economic Club at the MotorCity Casino, focusing on economic achievements during his second term. Despite a challenging start to his presidency and controversies over immigration and military actions, Trump asserted that the U.S. economy is thriving, crediting his administration’s policies. His remarks followed a report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics showing a 2.7% rise in prices in December, fueling Democratic criticism over affordability. Trump, however, blamed Democrats for the high costs.
“They’re coming down much faster than anyone can remember it,” Trump stated, emphasizing that economic growth is on the rise. Prior to his speech, two protesters were arrested outside the venue, as reported by the Detroit Free Press. BAMN, or By Any Means Necessary, organized the protest.
Trump also mentioned efforts to reduce drug prices to $10, although he provided no specifics. He claimed energy prices would drop due to the deposition of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, though industry experts remain skeptical. His visit coincided with the Detroit Auto Show, even as a Federal Reserve report revealed an 8,000-job decrease in factory employment in December.
Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, embroiled in controversy over interest rates, faced backlash from Trump, who criticized Powell’s refusal to lower rates. Trump labeled Powell “a jerk,” amid bipartisan criticism of what is seen as an intimidation tactic against the Fed.
Trump highlighted policy changes in the auto industry, including rolling back Biden’s fuel economy standards, arguing they were unattainable. He claimed his policies would benefit Detroit’s economy, citing Ford’s $5 billion investment in Michigan and Kentucky.
Trump veers into vitriol against Democrats, those who oppose him
He accused Democrats of being “evil” for opposing his policies and reiterated his stance on immigration, targeting Somalis and African Muslims. Trump mocked U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar, calling her “a total scam artist,” and proposed denaturalizing Somali Americans accused of fraud.
Trump claimed cracking down on Somali scams would lower living costs, citing a report from the Center for Immigration Studies, a group advocating for low immigration levels.
Republicans happy with Trump view, policies on economy
Key Republican figures, including Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt and House Speaker Matt Hall, attended Trump’s speech. They supported his economic outlook, hopeful for positive impacts on upcoming elections. Hall noted a lag in the public feeling the effects of economic changes, but expected benefits in the near future.
Hall praised early tax cuts, anticipating that as people receive tax returns, the benefits of these policies will become evident.
Democrats of all stripes decry Trump’s address, economic policies
Mary Buchzeig, CEO of Lucerne International, criticized Trump’s tariffs, warning they could harm long-term competitiveness. Democrats, including Michigan Democratic Party Chair Curtis Hertel, accused Trump of being out of touch, noting ongoing affordability issues.
Levi Teitel from Progress Michigan argued Trump’s economic agenda worsens the affordability crisis. Katie Smith from the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee highlighted the negative impacts of tariffs and Medicaid cuts, warning Republicans would face consequences in elections.
Teacher Matthew Nickerson joined protesters, expressing concern over the authoritarian shift and its impact on students. He criticized Trump’s policies for creating a difficult environment for his students.
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.
