Trump Defends Tariffs During Campaign Visit to Michigan Auto Plant

President Donald Trump visited the General Motors Milford Proving Ground in Michigan on July 28, 2026, to promote his "America First" agenda and manufacturing revival. The visit served as a strategic campaign stop to support Republican gubernatorial candidate John James and U.S. Senate candidate Mike Rogers ahead of the August 4 primary and the November midterm elections.

During the trip, Trump defended his sweeping tariff policies, including import levies as high as 50% on Canadian products. These economic measures have coincided with rising inflation and gasoline prices linked to a conflict in Iran, contributing to a decline in Trump's Michigan approval rating to 33%. The diplomatic rift with Canada resulted in the cancellation of a joint celebration for the opening of the $4.7 billion Gordie Howe International Bridge, which Canada opened independently on July 25.

Trump claimed on Truth Social that his administration renegotiated the bridge deal to ensure the United States receives 50% of the profit. While White House spokesperson Liz Huston stated the president is delivering on promises to bring manufacturing back to America, Michigan Democratic Party Chair Curtis Hertel Jr. characterized the visit as an attempt to obscure a record of price-hiking policies and described the president as incredibly unpopular.