MILFORD — President Donald Trump plans to visit a General Motors facility in Milford, Michigan, on Monday. The White House stated that Trump will discuss the generation of manufacturing jobs and foreign investment in the U.S. and argue his policies have boosted the auto industry. "The President pledged to put Michigan workers back to work, and he’s doing it," White House spokesperson Liz Huston said.

Ticket reservations are available for the visit on Monday, July 27, to the General Motors Milford Proving Ground, with doors opening at 11 a.m. at 3300 General Motors Road in Milford. The Michigan Republican Party news release referred to the event as a rally, while the White House previously stated Trump would be delivering remarks on the economy.

Trump is visiting Oakland County, Michigan. This is Trump's third trip to Michigan in his second term. Trump held a rally in Warren, Michigan, to mark the first 100 days of his second term. Trump visited a Ford plant in Dearborn, Michigan, and addressed the Detroit Economic Club in January.

The General Motors facility in Milford contains tracks and proving grounds for new models and vehicles. Trump extended rebates to domestic car companies on some tariffs on imported auto parts. New tariffs on imports from dozens of U.S. trading partners are taking effect. Trump has imposed tariffs as high as 50% on a wide array of Canadian products, including cars.

The Trump administration argues it can impose tariffs on Canada because the country discriminates against American exports of products including automobiles. Trump launched the first round of tariffs after alleging Canada should do more to stop fentanyl smuggling. Canada imposed its own levies on U.S. imports in response to Trump's initial tariffs last year. The Supreme Court struck down many of Trump's tariffs.

Canada held an event on Friday to hail the opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge instead of a planned joint celebration with U.S. officials. The Gordie Howe International Bridge links Detroit and Windsor, Ontario. The Gordie Howe International Bridge cost $4.7 billion.

The U.S. and Canada co-own the Gordie Howe International Bridge. A joint U.S.-Canada ceremony for the bridge opening had been set for June but was scrapped after Trump suggested the U.S. wanted a better deal on the bridge. The U.S. and Canada reached an agreement on splitting tolls for the Gordie Howe International Bridge.

Early voting is underway for Michigan's August 4 primary. The Michigan Republican gubernatorial primary features Trump-backed Rep. John James against Perry Johnson. Perry Johnson is a businessman who has launched unsuccessful political campaigns, including for president in 2024. Perry Johnson is holding a "Trump Tailgate" outside the president's General Motors event.

Republican Mike Rogers is unopposed in the Michigan Senate primary. The Michigan Democratic Senate primary is between Rep. Haley Stevens and Abdul El-Sayed. Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson faces Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson in the Democratic primary. Election Day is scheduled for November 3.

"More than coinciding with his new round of tariffs, Trump's visit is a function of Michigan's relatively late primary and is meant to ensure that James secures the nomination," former executive director of the Michigan Republican Party Jason Roe said. "It was a risk for the president to tie himself too closely to top Republicans ahead of the general election, calling it “kryptonite to November voters.”"

"We’re happy to have the president here, campaigning with Republicans. We think it highlights the fact that the only thing they care about is Donald Trump and refuse to stand up to him," chairman of the Michigan Democratic Party Curtis Hertel said. "It’s good for us every time the president is here because he’s incredibly unpopular."

Trump won Michigan in the 2024 presidential election. Michigan voted for Democrat Joe Biden in the 2020 presidential election. Oakland County voted for Biden in 2020 and Vice President Kamala Harris in 2024. Mike Rogers was narrowly defeated by Democrat Sen. Elissa Slotkin in the 2024 election.

The visit blends economic policy promotion with campaign-style intervention in a state that Trump won in 2024 after losing it in 2020. The timing coincides with early voting for the August 4 primary, where Trump-backed candidate John James faces Perry Johnson in the Republican gubernatorial race. Trump has imposed tariffs as high as 50% on Canadian products, including cars, while the Supreme Court previously struck down many of his tariffs. The administration argues the levies address Canadian discrimination against U.S. auto exports, a dispute that led Canada to impose its own levies and cancel a joint bridge opening ceremony.