Trump targets Detroit with insults during campaign stop

DETROIT — During a speech in Detroit aimed at an economic audience, former President Donald Trump expressed his concerns regarding the potential consequences for the nation if Vice President Kamala Harris were to be elected. He warned that the entire country could descend into a state similar to Detroit’s current situation, suggesting, “It’ll be like Detroit” if she takes office.

Trump’s speech, delivered to the Detroit Economic Club, sought to engage those involved in the auto industry, which is a significant demographic in Michigan’s largest city. However, his sentiments about Detroit were contradictory throughout his address. He described the city as “developing,” seemingly offering a compliment, despite his negative comparisons.

In response to Trump’s comments, local Democratic leaders quickly voiced their disapproval. Mayor Mike Duggan highlighted the city’s improvements, such as reductions in crime and a rebound in population, stating, “Lots of cities should be like Detroit. And we did it all without Trump’s help,” on social media. U.S. Representative Shri Thanedar called out Trump to refrain from discussing Detroit, while Attorney General Dana Nessel pointedly remarked on X about Trump’s remarks being derogatory, saying, “This guy is calling us ugly and then asking us out on a date.”

Governor Gretchen Whitmer joined the chorus of criticism, indicating on social media that Detroit residents would remember Trump’s comments come election time. Meanwhile, in Las Vegas, Harris remarked on Trump’s disparaging comments about American cities, reiterating their unfitness for leadership.

Historically, Wayne County, which houses Detroit, has not favored Trump in past elections, with him garnering only about 30% of the votes in both 2016 and 2020. In a statement following Trump’s speech, his campaign asserted that Detroit has faced negative impacts from “globalist policies championed by Kamala Harris,” claiming that these policies have contributed to the loss of manufacturing jobs to foreign countries. Trump’s Michigan communications director, Victoria LaCivita, underscored that Trump’s policies could lead to renewed economic growth and stability in Detroit.

Despite past challenges, many in Detroit believe the city is bouncing back from its financial struggles, once dubbed a “national joke.” After climbing out of bankruptcy nearly ten years ago, Detroit has made significant strides by stabilizing its finances, enhancing city services, and starting to reverse decades of population decline. The city is increasingly being recognized as a viable destination for conventions and events, as shown by the record attendance during the recent NFL draft that attracted over 775,000 visitors.

Later that same day, the city buzzed with activity as thousands gathered for a baseball game, reflecting the vibrant spirit of the community. Some of those in attendance interpreted Trump’s remarks about the “dismal” Detroit as a reference to its former economic troubles. One attendee, Judy Moenck, 68, acknowledged that while Trump’s comments might not have been intended as an insult, many Detroiters might still be offended due to the progress the city has made. Her husband, Dean Moenck, 74, noted that Trump’s rhetoric appears aimed at emphasizing Detroit’s past challenges, which he feels no longer represent the city he once knew.

This isn’t the first instance of Trump making disparaging remarks about a city as part of his campaign efforts. During his civil fraud and criminal trials in New York, he frequently referred to that city in negative terms, particularly focusing on issues related to crime and cleanliness, while attempting to persuade voters concerned about safety and immigration.