Trump Highlights Trade Wins on Michigan GM Tour Ahead of Midterms

President Donald Trump is traveling to Michigan to open a General Motors test site while emphasizing his trade and industrial agenda. The White House seeks to shift the political conversation from an escalating conflict with Iran and rising gasoline prices to a narrative of manufacturing revival. Polls in the state show Trump’s job approval at 33% with 61% disapproving, and voters say tariffs are being felt at the consumer level. The first 18 months of his second term have featured policy-driven economic shocks, including an immigration crackdown, higher tariffs and the Iran war, which have lifted oil prices and strained supply chains.

Reuters

White House spokeswoman Liz Huston said the “America First” agenda has spurred automakers to invest, hire and expand, describing the current pace of growth as “not seen in decades.” She added that Trump is delivering on his promise to bring manufacturing back to the United States and rebuild the auto industry. General Motors CEO Mary Barra confirmed she will attend the event at the Milford Proving Ground, where the company plans to shift Chevrolet Blazer production from Mexico and add U.S. production of the Equinox to boost capacity.

Reuters

• “He's got a serious problem going into the midterms because people don't believe him and they don't think he's telling the truth,” — Bernie Porn, president and pollster at Epic MRA

Reuters

The Michigan stop comes less than 100 days before the November midterm elections, where the state is a pivotal battleground for control of Congress. Trump’s narrow 2024 victory over former Vice President Kamala Harris—by roughly 1.4 percentage points—flipped Michigan back to Republicans after a Democratic win in 2020. Senate and House races will test whether his appeal to working-class voters can translate into broader gains, with former congressman Mike Rogers leading the Republican Senate field and Democrat U.S. Representative Haley Stevens competing in a crowded primary. The outcome may hinge on whether voters accept the administration’s trade narrative amid ongoing economic concerns.

Reuters