President Trump delivered a speech at the Detroit Economic Club, aiming to refocus on the American economy but largely deviating into personal grievances. He touted economic achievements while blaming former President Joe Biden for inflation and attacking Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell. The event marks his first domestic trip amid recent international headlines.
President Trump spoke at the Detroit Economic Club on Tuesday, delivering an hour-long address that began with claims of economic resurgence but quickly shifted to unrelated criticisms. "We have quickly gone from the worst numbers on record to the best and strongest numbers and an economy that is far ahead," Trump stated, highlighting tariffs as a key driver. He specifically praised his 25% tariff on foreign automobiles, saying it supports Michigan workers: "I am standing up for the American autoworker like no president has stood up before."
Before the speech, Trump visited a Ford facility producing the F-150 pickup truck. He outlined plans to combat fraud, freeze federal payments to sanctuary cities, and limit credit card fees to 10% for a year. On interest rates, he remarked, "It's unfair. The rates are too high to provide further relief to hardworking Americans." Trump also previewed upcoming proposals on health care and housing, promising to discuss affordable housing in Davos, Switzerland, next week.
Much of the speech targeted political opponents. Trump blamed Biden for high inflation and lambasted Powell, calling him "that jerk" and claiming he would "be gone soon." This comes as the Justice Department investigates Powell, though Trump denied involvement. Recent polls reflect economic unease: an NPR/PBS/Marist survey last month showed Trump's approval on the economy at a low 36%, with voters worried about costs and affordability—issues that boosted Democrats in the 2025 Virginia and New Jersey elections.
The address follows weeks dominated by foreign policy, including capturing Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, threats against Iran, seizing Greenland, advancing Gaza peace talks, and Russia-Ukraine negotiations. Domestically, the White House has promoted falling gas and mortgage rates as progress, though Trump acknowledged in a prior Oval Office speech that lowering costs is "not done yet." Tariffs, he claimed, have brought "trillions of dollars of new investment" in minerals, rare earths, defense, and AI, alongside record foreign military sales.
