Trump has filed his promise to address long-standing issues in the auto industry with his tariff strategy, members of the Unified Auto Worker said.
WARREN, Mich. — President Donald Trump is a battlefield state that helped secure the White House in the 2024 election to mark Michigan’s 100-day inauguration.
“It’s going to be a tremendous day,” Trump wrote on Sunday about the True Society.
In a symbolic move, Trump chose to celebrate the key day in Great Lakes State, the heart of the US automotive industry, where recent tariff policies have had a major impact. Earlier this month, Trump imposed a 25% tariff on imported vehicles to bolster domestic automobile manufacturing.
Trump is scheduled to give his “100th Office Achievement” speech at 6pm at 6pm at Community College in Macomb County, which was the center of his victory in the state in 2024.
In his speech, Trump is expected to spotlight the promises of two important campaigns. It’s strengthening border security and lowering gas prices. He is also likely to defend tariff policy as the heart of his economic agenda.
Since returning to the White House as the 47th president, Trump has been working to wipe out many enforcement actions and policy changes, beginning his first 100 days to coincide with the most consequential presidential term in modern history. He surpassed President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s record of 99 executive orders in the first 100 days, signing more than 135 executive orders.
For his supporters, these first 100 days mark a bold return to America’s strength and values. However, his critics argue that the rapid change in the administration has led to chaos and constitutes an overreach for management.
However, autoworkers are keen to mark Trump’s 100th day in office for the state. Among them is Douglas King, a nearly 30-year veteran of Stellantis Factory in Michigan.
King was one of 20 United auto workers members invited to the White House on April 2, with Trump unveiling a wide range of tariffs on almost all US trading partners.
According to King, Trump follows his promise to address long-standing issues in the automotive industry through his tariff strategy.
He pointed to reports that Stellantis had been moving some production overseas over the past few years to reduce labor costs.
“They were record-breaking saying they wanted to do 80% of manufacturing in a low-cost country that just eliminated jobs here,” King told the Epoch Times. “These tariffs will bring about an absolute halt on that, and I think you’ve heard that there will be a minivan made in Canada coming here soon.
“I think tariffs will bring more work,” she said.
Isaiah Goddard, a member of the United Autoworkers at Ford Motor Company, said strong support from Michigan auto workers played a key role in helping Trump win the state.
“We had his back and he won over Michigan,” Goddard told the Epoch Times. “Trump is excited to be here. He really loves it here.”
According to King, Michigan also serves as a strategic place for Trump to highlight border security policies.
“When we think about Michigan, we border Canada,” he said. “Not everyone crosses the Mexican border. They’re from Canada too. I’m sure the ice is busy here.”
Senior Commerce Department officials said the automotive company will continue to pay 25% tariffs on imported vehicles, but will not be exposed to other tariffs, such as a 25% collection on steel and aluminum, or a 10% universal baseline obligation.
“The epitome of America”
During the visit, the president makes a statement to the Michigan State Guard, located at Selfridge Air National Guard base, before heading to Macomb County Community College for the first time.
“Macomb County is a microcosm of America and is always a place where people are willing to give opportunities to leaders of both parties, and I think that’s important,” Michigan Democrat Chairman Curtis Hertel told the Epoch Times.
Hertel criticized Trump for saying that the president had failed to keep his promise to the American people.
“The problem Trump has is that he has broken a lot of promises to the people here,” Hertel said. “He promised them a lower price. He promised them that their retirement accounts would be flushed. He promised them a better economy in America. That’s not really happening.”
“He has a lot of explanations to the people of this county,” Heter said. “I hope he sees the pain while he’s here.”
On April 29th, Hertel held a roundtable discussion with local residents and small business owners. They expressed concern about Trump’s policies regarding immigration, tariffs and tax cuts.
Among the participants was Diane Young, a financial planner who works closely with his family and small businesses. She acknowledged that tariffs could be a valuable negotiation tool, but she criticized her current approach, particularly along with rivals such as China.
“Taxes can be useful when done correctly, like machine guns,” she told the Epoch Times.
Young said the Trump administration’s current approach is sowning uncertainty among business leaders.
“They’re just plowing this and don’t give business leaders a lot of confidence,” she said. Even longtime Republicans said they are feeling uneasy. “They are very worried too.”
