At a Glance
- President Trump toured Ford’s River Rouge plant to spotlight U.S. manufacturing
- New Labor data shows December inflation at 0.3%, matching November
- Ford canceled electric F-150 plans after White House relaxed EV rules
- Why it matters: Voters remain anxious about living costs as 2026 midterms approach
President Trump used a Michigan factory floor and a Detroit casino stage Tuesday to sell his economic agenda, even as fresh inflation data and uneasy voters complicate the pitch.
The president spent the morning at Ford’s River Rouge plant in Dearborn, watching F-150 pickups roll through assembly. He examined gas, hybrid, and off-road Raptor models, chatted with workers in reflective vests, and praised the automaker’s executive chairman, Bill Ford.
“All U.S. automakers are doing great,” Trump said. “Quality is unbelievable.”
The visit-his third swing-state economy tour since last month-shifted to MotorCity Casino for a lunchtime speech to the Detroit Economic Club. “This is the easiest speech to make,” he told the crowd. “I’m just spewing off what the hell we’ve done.”
Yet recent election results hint the message isn’t landing. Republicans lost ground in Virginia, New Jersey, and other off-year contests amid stubborn voter worry about prices.
The White House promised more road trips so Trump can speak “directly” about easing financial fears. The president has previously called affordability concerns a “hoax” stoked by Democrats.
Tariff tweaks and trade talk
While Trump has slapped steep tariffs on trading partners, he has carved out exceptions for autos. His administration:
- Extended import levies on foreign-made auto parts through 2030
- Imposed heavy tariffs on Chinese-built vehicles
- Hopes the Supreme Court will uphold the broader tariff regime
He also declared the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement-negotiated in his first term-“irrelevant,” though the pact is scheduled for review this year.
Inflation snapshot
Before leaving Washington, Trump touted new federal data: consumer prices rose 0.3% in December, matching November’s pace, as cheaper gas and used cars offset other increases.
“We have very low inflation,” he told reporters on the White House lawn. “Growth is going up. We have tremendous growth numbers.”
Still, polls show Americans remain focused on rising costs for groceries, rent, and healthcare.
Ford’s EV pivot
Ford announced in December it scrapped plans for an all-electric F-150 after the administration:
- Rolled back the 50% EV-sales target for 2030
- Eliminated federal EV tax credits
- Proposed looser emissions and mileage rules
The company continues to pour billions into broader electrification efforts.
Fed Chair under fire
The economic tour unfolds as the Department of Justice pursues a criminal investigation into Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, who calls it an attempt to undermine central-bank independence. Critics include former Fed chairs, economic officials, and some Republican lawmakers.
Asked about the probe before departure, Trump repeated his usual criticism of Powell but declined to address the case.
Swing-state pattern
Tuesday’s stop follows similar economy-themed visits:
- Pennsylvania: Speech at Mount Airy Casino Resort, where immigration rhetoric overshadowed inflation talk
- North Carolina: Casino backdrop again; residents told reporters tariffs are squeezing household budgets
Trump carried Michigan in 2016 and 2024, lost it to Joe Biden in 2020. During his April visit-marking 100 days in office-he held a rally outside Detroit and announced a fighter-jet mission at Selfridge Air National Guard Base, sharing a hug with Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.
Democratic pushback
Michigan Democrats greeted the latest trip with scorn. Party chair Curtis Hertel noted Republicans oppose extending health-care subsidies and recalled Trump’s October 2024 remark that re-electing Democrats would make “our whole country… like Detroit.”
“After spending months claiming that affordability was a ‘hoax’ and creating a health-care crisis for Michiganders, Donald Trump is now coming to Detroit-a city he hates-to tout his billionaire-first agenda while working families suffer,” Hertel said.
During a House Republican retreat this week, Trump warned that GOP losses in the midterms could mean “I will get impeached.”
Key Takeaways
- Trump’s factory visit spotlights manufacturing but offers no new policy fixes for inflation
- December price data gives the White House a modest talking point
- Ford’s canceled electric truck underscores shifting auto industry priorities
- Voter anxiety on costs remains a top 2026 campaign issue
