Former President Trump defended his earlier criticism of Detroit at another event in Michigan on Friday, saying he was not “disparaging” the city but only stating the facts.
Following a three-hour delay to the start of the rally as a result of a long interview with podcast host Joe Rogan earlier in the day, Trump took the stage in Traverse City, located in the northern part of the state.
Trump defended comments he made during a speech to the Detroit Economic Club earlier this month, during which he called the city a “mess” and evidence of the U.S. being a developing nation.
“Detroit’s a developing area more than most places in China,” he said at the time.
The comments sparked significant backlash from state and city officials, including Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) and Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan.
Trump argued that his comments weren’t slamming the city but just stating the reality of the city.
“When I sort of gave it a little knock, I said ‘Let’s face it. We’ve been ripped in Detroit. We’ve got to make Detroit.’ They said, ‘he was disparaging,’” Trump said. “I’m not disparaging. I’m telling you the facts.”
“I guess a couple politicians were hurt by that. I said ‘Don’t be hurt. You’ll be happy when we have auto plants moving in all over the place because we’re going to do tariffs and we’re going to do tax incentives and all this,” he continued.
Trump blamed “dumb politicians” for costing the city jobs it has lost and vowed that they would come back if he returns to office.
Trump’s campaign reportedly said in a statement following the remarks from earlier this month that the former president would help Detroit reach its full potential and achieve economic success and stability.
The Associated Press has reported that Detroit has turned around from declaring bankruptcy almost a decade ago, stabilizing finances and improving city services.
The Detroit mayor at the time pointed to Detroit recently hosting the NFL Draft and said crime is down while the population is growing in the city.
