Republican vice presidential candidate Sen. JD Vance recently addressed a $500 million federal investment in the Michigan auto industry during a campaign event. Vance downplayed the significance of the investment, stating that neither he nor President Trump had indicated a willingness to take funding away from Michigan autoworkers. He emphasized his commitment to supporting the Michigan auto industry as much as possible.
Vance criticized Vice President Kamala Harris for offering what he referred to as 'table scraps' in the form of the $500 million grant for converting a GM Cadillac plant in Lansing into an electric vehicle facility. He expressed concerns about the potential impact of an electric vehicle mandate on autoworker jobs in Michigan.
During a separate event in Flint, Harris had criticized Vance for not committing to continuing grant funding for the Lansing plant, highlighting the importance of preserving jobs in the state. Vance had previously raised issues with the conditions attached to the federal grant, including concerns about job protection and outsourcing.
Vance reiterated his stance on electric vehicles, warning against forcing Americans to purchase EVs made in foreign countries like China. He and President Trump vowed to prevent policies that could lead to economic challenges in Michigan.
Meanwhile, Harris assured Michigan voters that she would not mandate the type of vehicles they could drive, countering claims made by the Republican ticket about potential EV mandates. Democratic Senate candidate Elissa Slotkin also emphasized her support for consumer choice in vehicle purchases through campaign ads in the state.
The debate over federal funding for the Michigan auto industry and the future of electric vehicles continues to be a key issue in the ongoing political discourse leading up to the election.
