GoKawiilMetrics show that Trump’s tariffs have cost businesses in Michigan billions of dollars. Flying to a rally at General Motors this week, President Donald Trump declared that “car companies are doing better than they’ve ever done” thanks to his tariffs.“All because of Trump,” he said.It was a message the Republican president repeated while touring a collection of new vehicles, predicting that “it’s amazing what tariffs will do for General Motors” before autographing a white Corvette commemorating America’s 250th anniversary. He later told a crowd of cheering supporters that “Michigan is thriving.”That’s not exactly true, according to many metrics. Tariffs have cost businesses in Michigan and across the country billions of dollars while helping to stoke inflation that has continued to run hot — despite Trump’s assurances his business background would wipe it out.Many Americans believe tariffs have pushed prices higher and the war in Iran has increased gasoline prices, hurting consumer confidence in the economy while keeping Trump’s approval ratings low.There are few places where contradictions between the president’s boasts and the economic reality of his tariffs are more likely to collide ahead of November’s midterm elections than in battleground Michigan, which holds its primary on Tuesday. Trump won the state in 2016 and then again in 2024, after it had flipped to Democrat Joe Biden in 2020.During Trump’s rally in Milford, northwest of Detroit, the crowd was adoring. But even some of his ardent supporters said prices are too high and tariffs had caused short-term economic pain — even as they still support him overall.Lisa Scherer, a 64-year-old who used to run a landscaping company and work as a bus driver and union steward, acknowledged high gas prices are “hurting a lot” and it’s “very rough” to afford things.“But I’m just hoping, if we hang in there,” she said, emphasizing she still thinks the president is doing a good job.
Trump visits General Motors plant, touting ‘amazing’ tariffs, but even some of his supporters are worried
Why This Matters
President Trump's visit to a GM plant highlighted his claims that tariffs have boosted the auto industry, but economic data shows that tariffs have cost billions and increased inflation, impacting consumers and businesses negatively. Despite his optimistic rhetoric, many Americans, including supporters, acknowledge the economic pain caused by tariffs. This contrast underscores the complex impact of trade policies on the economy and voter sentiment ahead of the midterms.
Key Takeaways
- Tariffs have cost U.S. businesses billions and contributed to rising inflation.
- Public perception is mixed, with some supporters acknowledging economic hardships despite political support.
- Trade policies like tariffs can create a disconnect between political messaging and economic realities.
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