Trump defends tariffs in hard-hit Michigan as Canada tax hike looms

"Now, at long last, Michigan finally has a president who stands up for Michigan autoworkers," Trump told the assembled GM workers, blaming any lingering woes on "globalist" US politicians he believes "sold out" American workers.

US President Donald Trump has vigorously defended his economic policies in Michigan - a state hit hard by his tariffs, particularly in the automobile sector.

The economy of Michigan, a key battleground state that swung back in the Republican Party's favour in 2024, relies heavily on nearby Canada, which has been hit by a range of US tariffs - taxes on imported goods that are paid to the government by companies bringing in the foreign products.