Trump takes jab at Detroit in speech at Detroit Economic Club; Duggan responds

DETROIT – Former President Donald Trump took a swipe at the city of Detroit while delivering a speech in front of the Detroit Economic Club on Thursday.

Trump spoke for more than an hour, covering a wide range of topics, including the automotive industry and manufacturing.

Trump also spent plenty of time going after his opponent, Vice President Kamala Harris, with less than a month before election day. In one comment, he took aim at the city itself.

“The the whole country is going to be like, you want to know the truth? It’ll be like Detroit. Our whole country will end up being like Detroit. you’re going to have a mess on your hands.”

Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan replied to the comment on Twitter/X:

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer posted: “Detroit is the epitome of “grit,” defined by winners willing to get their hands dirty to build up their city and create their communities—something Donald Trump could never understand. So keep Detroit out of your mouth. And you better believe Detroiters won’t forget this in November."

Other local officials chimed in on Twitter/X, including Michigan U.S. Rep. Shri Thanedar, who said, “I represent Detroit in Congress. Detroit is a city with a booming economy, diverse culture, and some of the best people in America.”

Michigan State Senator Majority Whip Mallory McMorrow said, “As a proud elected representative of tens of thousands of Detroiters: F*** this guy. Don’t come back."

Michigan House Speaker Joe Tate posted a response:

Trump also falsely claimed that his administration had the highest job numbers during his speech in Detroit. The unemployment rate fell slightly lower under President Joe Biden — to 3.4% early last year, the lowest in a half-century, below 3.5% before the pandemic under Trump.

The Labor Department also measures the proportion of Americans with jobs, which is now at the highest in more than two decades for Americans in their prime working years. Economists look at that age group — 25 through 54 — because it filters out students and retirees.

“I would say I might disagree because you and I know that there’s some really, really great things happening here, and when he mentioned that he will make Detroit come back, I don’t like that term," said Detroit Economic Club President and CEO Steve Grigorian. “Come back. We’re doing really, really well right now. We can always do better, but I would disagree with that."

"Like many Americans, President Trump remembers when Detroit was lauded as the gold standard for auto manufacturing success and revolutionized the industry. Detroit has suffered from globalist policies championed by Kamala Harris that have shipped manufacturing overseas. Detroit’s population has dropped over 60% since 1960, maintains the third highest homicide rate in the nation, and a poverty rate for full-time workers three times as high as the rest of Michigan. As President Trump emphasized in his speech, his policies will usher in a new era of economic success and stability for Detroit, helping the city reach its fullest potential.”

Team Trump Michigan Communications Director Victoria LaCivita 

“As a proud Detroiter and representative of this resilient city, I find it deeply disappointing to hear such uninformed remarks. Detroit is not a ‘mess.’ We are a city of strength, perseverance, and progress. Our community has worked hard to overcome challenges, and we’ve seen incredible growth, investment, and revitalization.

Instead of attempting to degrade our city with negative rhetoric, we need leadership that wants to partner on the transformative work being done here, from our expanding housing developments to the rise of small businesses, and the unmatched creativity and innovation in our neighborhoods. We are tackling issues head-on with a commitment to equity, affordability, and opportunity for all Detroiters.

Detroit is on the rise, and no outsider’s comment will change the truth of what’s happening here. We are a city that fights for progress, and I’m proud to stand with our residents as we continue moving forward.”

City of Detroit District 5 Council President Mary Sheffield