Trump Visits Michigan for Second Term Milestone Rally

WARREN, Mich. (AP) — President Donald Trump will hold a rally on Tuesday to celebrate the first 100 days of his second term, marking his most significant public event since returning to the White House. The rally is set for 4 p.m. ET at Macomb Community College, located north of Detroit.

Trump’s visit coincides with a trip to Selfridge Air National Guard Base, where he will be joined by Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, a Democrat. This event comes shortly after Whitmer faced criticism for appearing with Trump in the Oval Office.

Trump’s administration has influenced Michigan significantly, especially through his tariffs on imported vehicles and auto parts. The state flipped from Democratic to Republican during the last election cycle, granting Trump an important foothold after considerable trade disputes with neighboring Canada.

Before leaving Washington, Trump indicated his plans to relax some auto tariffs, a decision anticipated to have a positive impact in a state that hosts major automotive manufacturers. The tariffs have already led to job losses, with 900 employees temporarily laid off from Stellantis‘s plants due to a 25% tariff initiated by Trump.

As he prepares for the rally, Trump continues to frame his administration’s policies as essential to American recovery, despite mixed approval ratings. Recent polls reveal that only about 4 in 10 Americans approve of his leadership and even fewer support his handling of tariffs and the economy.

At a preliminary event in Selfridge, Trump assured reporters that he would work to prevent the base’s closure, promising, “We’re going to keep it open.” Whitmer echoed her commitment to supporting military personnel, even as she has clashed with Trump over various issues since his inauguration.

Rally attendees are eager to hear Trump’s remarks as he emphasizes job creation and economic strategy. Local resident Carolyn Martz expressed her support, noting, “I’d like to see more stuff made in America, by Americans, for Americans.”

This rally represents a crucial moment for both Trump and Michigan Republicans as they eye the 2026 election cycle, seeking to regain control of the governor’s office and secure Senate seats amid rising tensions in party dynamics.