Trump Defends Tariffs as Job Growth Stalls in Michigan Auto Industry

US President Donald Trump visited Michigan on Monday to defend his economic policies, particularly the tariffs imposed on imported goods. Speaking at a General Motors plant in Milford, he claimed that his 'historic' tariffs are reinvigorating the auto industry and forcing companies to relocate their overseas operations to the US.

The state of Michigan has been hit hard by Trump's tariffs, with job growth slowing to a crawl and an unemployment rate of 5.1% in May. Trump pointed to GM's $6bn investment in US manufacturing as evidence that his policies are working, but critics argue that the tariffs have had a negative impact on the state's economy.

Canada has also been affected by the tariffs, with a 25% levy on non-US parts on Canadian-assembled passenger vehicles. The US is planning to increase this tariff to 50% in August, which would further exacerbate the situation. Trump claimed that companies should build their plants in Michigan or elsewhere in the US to avoid paying tariffs.