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During a speech at the Detroit Economic Club, former President Donald Trump stirred controversy by bashing the city of Detroit and warning that if Vice President Kamala Harris wins the presidency, the entire country could resemble Detroit. Trump, while speaking in the heart of one of the largest metropolitan areas in a crucial swing state, said, “I don’t think anything that we’re talking about today is high on her list. The whole country is going to be like — you want to know the truth? It’ll be like Detroit.” told by ABC News.
Trump’s derogatory remarks about Detroit quickly drew outrage from social media users and public figures alike. The city, which has seen significant economic recovery and development in recent years, was once again put in the spotlight as a target of Trump’s criticism. His comments echoed similar remarks he made about Milwaukee, Wisconsin, calling it a “horrible city” just days before the GOP hosted its presidential convention there.
The backlash was swift. Democratic Rep. Shri Thanedar, who represents Detroit in Congress, fiercely defended his city. “Detroit is a city with a booming economy, diverse culture, and some of the best people in America. Donald Trump: keep Detroit and our people out of your mouth. We will elect Kamala Harris,” Thanedar said in response to Trump’s remarks.
Political commentators were quick to point out the strategic blunder of insulting a major city in a key swing state. Writer Thor Benson sarcastically noted, “Always smart to insult an important swing state.” Similarly, transit activist Hayden Clarkin added, “Imagine standing in Detroit and saying ‘vote for me so you don’t end up like this place’ lmao.”
Michigan state Senate Majority Whip Mallory McMorrow didn’t hold back either, expressing her frustration on Twitter: “As a proud elected representative of tens of thousands of Detroiters: F—k this guy. Don’t come back.”
Some, like national security attorney Bradley Moss, highlighted Detroit’s ongoing economic recovery. “Mmm, I wonder what it is about Detroit he doesn’t like,” Moss quipped, attaching articles about the city’s growth in recent years. report from Raw Story.
Opinion columnist Rex Huppke summed up Trump’s speech in a scathing tweet: “‘Thanks for inviting me to your craphole city, I’m gonna use it as an example of what a failing nation would look like TO YOUR FACES. Anyhoo, vote for me, losers.’”
Trump’s latest remarks have added fuel to the already heated political discourse, with many in Detroit and across the country rejecting his negative portrayal of the city. Whether this will impact his standing in key Midwestern swing states remains to be seen.
