Trump Brings Populist Economic Agenda to Key State of Michigan

Trump Shifts Economic Messaging Ahead of Midterms

In recent weeks, President Donald Trump has turned to social media and media appearances to promote a more populist economic agenda, aiming to bolster Republican prospects in Congress. On Tuesday, he plans to bring this message directly to voters in a crucial swing state.

With public dissatisfaction growing over economic policies and rising living expenses, Trump is set to tour a Ford F-150 truck plant and highlight his administration’s trade and manufacturing initiatives at a Detroit Economic Club event.

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This marks Trump’s third trip to a pivotal state since December, following a series of proposals from his administration intended to build on previous efforts to curb inflation and reduce fuel costs.

Photographer: Adam Gray/Bloomberg

“With some patience, Americans will see that better days are ahead,” White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told Fox News prior to the visit.

As the midterm elections approach, Trump is working to reassure voters of his commitment to their economic well-being. Since January, his administration has proposed limiting credit card fees, restricting institutional investors from purchasing rental properties, and buying mortgage-backed securities to lower interest rates. The administration has also intensified criticism of the Federal Reserve.

On Monday evening, Trump posted that he wants to prevent major tech companies from passing on higher utility costs to consumers, a concern tied to the expansion of data centers driven by artificial intelligence.

Democratic strategist Jim Manley interpreted Trump’s recent actions as a sign of concern about public perception of his economic leadership, saying, “He’s throwing every possible solution at the problem, showing he knows he’s in a tough spot.”

Photographer: Al Drago/Bloomberg

Highlighting the political importance of affordability, Trump made an unexpected call to Senator Elizabeth Warren, a frequent critic, after she urged her party to adopt a more populist economic stance. Warren later told Bloomberg Television that their conversation focused on ways to lower costs for American families. While she criticized Trump’s policies, she expressed willingness to collaborate on shared priorities.

Bipartisan Dialogue on Economic Issues

Warren indicated she would support efforts to cap credit card interest rates if Trump actively pursues such legislation. A White House official, speaking anonymously, described the call as productive, centering on credit card rates and housing affordability.

Despite the focus on economic concerns, some Republican lawmakers worry that international issues—such as U.S. involvement in Venezuela, potential actions against Iran, and discussions about Greenland—are overshadowing the administration’s economic message and could hurt their electoral chances.

Recent polling from Quinnipiac University shows Trump’s approval rating at 40%, with 54% disapproving. Only about a third of respondents rated the economy as “excellent” or “good,” while 65% described it as “not so good” or “poor.”

Michigan: A Key Battleground

Tuesday’s trip is Trump’s second visit to Michigan this term, a state that played a decisive role in the 2024 election. This year, both the governor’s office and a Senate seat are up for grabs, with several House races expected to be highly competitive.

Photographer: Jeff Kowalsky/Bloomberg

Michigan’s economic performance under Trump has been mixed. The state continues to face one of the highest unemployment rates in the country, though it has declined from 5.5% in April to 5% in November, partly due to a shrinking labor force. Over 55,000 fewer people were in the workforce in November compared to April, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Michigan is particularly affected by Trump’s tariff policies, though job growth continued in 2025. Economists at the University of Michigan predict the state will lose 2,000 jobs this year, with unemployment expected to rise to 5.6% by the second quarter.

Tariffs have reduced profits for automakers and increased costs, but car companies have managed by focusing on larger, higher-priced vehicles and benefiting from tariff relief on parts from Canada and Mexico.

It remains uncertain whether Trump will increase his visits to other battleground states. Ten months before the midterms, a Republican source close to the White House expressed optimism about retaining the Senate but was less confident about the House. The source noted that the administration should have been more attuned to voters’ concerns about prices and the cost of living, which played a significant role in Trump’s 2024 victory.

According to this Republican, Trump’s advisers are urging him to campaign more aggressively to promote his policies.

Photographer: Cornell Watson/Bloomberg

Looking Ahead to the Midterms

After limited domestic travel in 2025, Trump held two campaign-style events in December focused on economic issues, in Pennsylvania and North Carolina. However, he often strayed from his economic message. Whether he will increase his domestic travel ahead of the midterms remains to be seen.

Republican pollster Greg Strimple believes Trump’s substantial campaign funds will allow Republicans to shape the economic narrative earlier than usual this election cycle.

Strimple also noted that while Trump appears anxious about the midterms, this concern could energize him. He referenced Trump’s recent warning to Republican lawmakers about the risk of impeachment if Democrats regain control of the House, calling it a motivating factor.

Reporting assistance by Jarrell Dillard, David Welch, and Emily Birnbaum.

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