Former President Donald Trump criticized President Joe Biden’s support for electric vehicles by delivering a speech to auto workers in Michigan instead of participating in the Republican presidential debate. Trump addressed the crowd at Drake Enterprises, a non-union auto-parts manufacturer in Clinton Township, Michigan. This appearance took place shortly after Biden showed solidarity with striking United Auto Workers in Belleville, Michigan.
During his speech, Trump accused Biden of advocating for an electric-vehicle “mandate” that would negatively impact the industry and stated that he would prioritize American manufacturing if reelected. He emphasized his commitment to keeping automobile production within the United States instead of outsourcing it overseas.
Kevin Munoz, a spokesman for the Biden campaign, swiftly responded to Trump’s remarks. He argued that Trump was spreading falsehoods about Biden’s agenda to divert attention from his own failures in areas such as tax cuts, factory closures, and job outsourcing to China. Munoz specifically disputed the existence of an “EV mandate,” asserting that Trump had allowed China to surpass the United States in the electric vehicle race.
Contrary to the Trump campaign’s claims, UAW sources revealed that there had been no official communication from the former president’s team regarding their visit to Michigan, raising doubts about the planned interaction with striking UAW members.
Trump’s decision to focus on Biden rather than his fellow Republican candidates has created a noticeable divide within the GOP. As seven Republican hopefuls prepared for their second debate in California, Trump’s presence in Michigan generated a significant contrast.
Despite holding a commanding lead in the polls among Republican candidates, Trump believes targeting Biden is more crucial. During the previous debate, he even took the opportunity to speak with Tucker Carlson, devoting substantial time to attacking Biden and accusing him of corruption.
In response, Biden has consistently criticized Trump’s economic track record and expressed concerns about the impact of his leadership on American democracy.
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