Donald J. Trump Speaks to Michigan, in Detroit, on How to Make America Great Again

Donald J. Trump Speaks to Michigan

Beth Chappell, President and CEO of the Detroit Economic Club, welcomed the crowd of 1,500 paid guests. John Rakolta, Jr., CEO of Walbridge, and Mike Pence, Republican candidate for Vice President, also said a few words. Mr. Pence quickly introduced Mr. Trump to the stage.

Donald Trump is welcomed to the stage in Detroit by VP running mate choice Mike Pence - photo by Michael Dwyer

Donald Trump is welcomed to the stage in Detroit by VP running mate choice Mike Pence – photo by Michael Dwyer

“Thank you for the invitation to speak to you today. It’s wonderful to be in Detroit – been here many times. We now begin a great national conversation about economic renewal for America. It’s a conversation about how to Make American Great Again for everyone, especially – and I say especially, for those who have the very least. The City of Detroit is where our story begins. Detroit was once the economic envy of the world. The people of Detroit helped to power America to its position of global dominance in the 20th century,” said Trump with his opening remarks at the Detroit Economic Club meeting in Detroit on August 8.

The Protesters

Thirteen Women and One Man stood on Chairs to Protest Trump's Visit to Michigan - photo by Michael Dwyer

Thirteen Women and One Man stood on Chairs to Protest Trump’s Visit to Michigan – photo by Michael Dwyer

That’s as far as he got before the first of 14 interruptions paused his talk – briefly – by a group of mostly female protesters, who gained access under false pretense. According to a Detroit Economic Club release, a new membership was purchased “under the name of a very reputable company,” and 20 guest tickets were purchased. These were how the protesters were able to get in. In a timely and structured way, the hecklers – one-by-one every few minutes – stood on chairs to shout questions at Mr. Trump. Very few guests could hear the questions – let alone Mr. Trump. The protesters were quickly escorted out of the room.

Many media outlets reported Mr. Trump failed to address the protesters’ questions. Rochester Media was there. He would not have been able to since he could not hear them, and because security escorted them out quickly.

He Continued – Smoothly – After Each Attempted Interruption

Mr. Trump mentioned his opponent, Secretary Hillary Clinton, many times and offered, “She is the candidate of the past. Ours is the campaign of the future … All Hillary Clinton has to offer is more of the same: more taxes, more regulations, more bureaucrats, more restrictions on American energy and on American production … The one common feature of every Hillary Clinton idea is that it punishes you for working and doing business in the United States. Every policy she has tilts the playing field towards other countries at our expense,” said Trump. He mostly stayed on track with his economic plan, including taxes.

Republican Presidential Candidate Donald J. Trump addressed the Detroit Economic Club at Cobo Hall - photo by Michael Dwyer

Republican Presidential Candidate Donald J. Trump addressed the Detroit Economic Club at Cobo Hall – photo by Michael Dwyer

Tax Reform

“I am proposing an across-the-board income tax reduction, especially for middle-income Americans. This will lead to millions of new and really good-paying jobs. The rich will pay their fair share, but no one will pay so much that it destroys jobs, or undermines our ability, as a nation, to compete. As part of this reform, we will eliminate the Carried Interest Deduction – a well-known deduction – and other special interest loopholes that have been so good for Wall Street investors, and for people like me, but unfair to American workers. Tax simplification will be a major feature of the plan. Our current tax code is so burdensome and so complex that we waste 9 billion hours a year in tax code compliance. My plan will reduce the current number of brackets from seven to three, and dramatically streamline the process. We will work with House Republicans on this plan, using the same brackets they have proposed: 12 percent, 25 percent, and 33 percent,” said Trump.

Trump Speaks to the Detroit Economic Club - photo by Michael Dwyer

Trump Speaks to the Detroit Economic Club – photo by Michael Dwyer

He spoke about home ownership, regulatory reform, and the need to stop the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), which the auto unions oppose and President Obama supports. He also touched on trade enforcement with China, saving American jobs, energy reform, and veterans. He suggested American energy and American products (such as steel) would help to put Americans back to work. He has a plan for “a complete reform of the Veterans Health Administration. This is something so desperately needed to make sure our vets are fully supported and get the care they deserve, which they have not been getting, not even close,” said Trump.

“Detroit – the Motor City – will come roaring back, roaring back … Americanism, not globalism, will be our new credo. Our country will reach amazing new heights,” said Trump, “We are ready to dream great things for our country once again. We are ready to show the world that America is back – bigger, and better, and stronger than ever before. Thank you very much – God Bless You – thank you,” concluded Mr. Trump.

 

Connection to Rochester

Rochester Media spoke with Ann Peterson, Rochester City Council Member, who attended the event. She offered her summary of the Republican Candidate’s address to the Detroit Economic Club:

Mr. Trump has a vision for success … the sky is the limit

“Mr. Trump’s speech today was a positive outlook for our country’s future. His focus was on his plan for our country. His four areas of focus were trade reform, regulatory reform, tax reform and energy. He was confident, focused and prepared in his plans. His long-term vision of making America Great again was apparent with his detailed information to carry out these plans … by reducing regulation that is choking American business success, reduce the tax rates on all businesses and individuals, create childcare credits for families, schools of choice and of course reform Obamacare,” said Ann Peterson.

Rochester City Council Member Ann Peterson and Jason Powrozek - Trump Supporters - photo by Michael Dwyer

Rochester City Council Member Ann Peterson and Jason Powrozek – Trump Supporters – photo by Michael Dwyer

“I really felt that Mr. Trump had seen the devastation of what the past eight years of the Obama administration had done to our state. His focus on the Detroit area shows that he pays attention to the little things. He saw firsthand how Michigan suffered and his humanitarian heart showed through to offer assistance in helping turn the economy around so we will no longer have so many in poverty. His focus was on bringing jobs back to our state through trade reform, lifting those regulations, which hurt the auto companies and make trade fair and tax relief. If he can gain the support of the house and senate on his proposed reforms than I feel his plans will open up the possibilities our state so desperately needs by bringing jobs, child care help and energy reform and instill a renewed growth and faith in our government. I feel that his speech is focused on the needs of the country,” said Peterson.

About Michael Dwyer

Michael Dwyer is a freelance content provider. Michael writes about happenings in the Rochester area, travels across Michigan and destinations around the world. Contact him at michael@rochestermedia.com.

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