Trump Defends Tariffs in Michigan Visit Amid Economic Concerns
US President Donald Trump visited Michigan on Monday to defend his economic policies, particularly the tariffs he's imposed against Canada and other countries. The visit coincided with a new round of steep import levies taking effect on dozens of US trading partners.
Trump made his case at a General Motors facility in Milford, Michigan, where GM is expanding production domestically in coming years. He claimed that the tariffs have helped the automaker and that he's been good to the company, but declined to elaborate.
Michigan's economy relies heavily on Canada, however, so the new tariffs are causing economic concerns statewide. The state has seen parts of its economy affected by Trump's tariffs, including on imported cars and auto parts.
Trump's visit is also seen as an effort to support his preferred candidate in the upcoming primary election. He invited several Republican candidates onstage during his remarks, but some critics are calling it a risk for the president to tie himself too closely to top Republicans before the general election.