Overview
- President Trump visited General Motors’ Milford Proving Ground on Monday to publicly defend a new round of steep import levies and to highlight recent U.S. auto investments.
- GM confirmed CEO Mary Barra was expected to attend the event where Trump linked tariff policy to factory moves and hiring by automakers.
- The visit coincides with early voting for Michigan’s Aug. 4 primary and includes public campaigning for Republican candidates John James and Mike Rogers.
- Canada held a Canada-only opening for the Gordie Howe International Bridge after the U.S. tariffs provoked diplomatic friction, a development that underlines growing trade tensions between the neighbors.
- Despite automaker investment announcements, many Michigan voters report higher costs from tariffs, rising gas prices, and inflation, and a recent poll showed Trump’s state approval on the economy near 33 percent.