In a fiery speech in Warren, Michigan, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz did not hold back when responding to former President Donald Trump’s recent comments about Detroit. Trump, who has made a habit of attacking Rust Belt cities, was in Detroit just a day before Walz’s speech, and the former president’s remarks were once again dismissive of the city’s progress.
Walz, on the other hand, came out swinging, defending Detroit and calling out Trump for his lack of understanding about middle America. His speech has since gone viral, especially after being highlighted in a video posted by journalist Aaron Rupar on X (formerly Twitter).
Trump’s Detroit Attacks
Trump’s latest criticism of Detroit is nothing new. During his speech in the city, he warned that the entire country would end up like Detroit, insinuating that the city is a mess and a symbol of decline. “You’re going to have a mess on your hands,” Trump said. These types of statements are not surprising coming from Trump, who has long targeted major cities in the Rust Belt with his rhetoric. But Walz was quick to call out the inaccuracy of Trump’s statements, painting a much different picture of Detroit’s current state.
Walz in Michigan: “Look, I’m a Twins fan, and you whooped our ass … those guys? All they know about manufacturing is manufacturing bullshit every time they show up.” pic.twitter.com/826tP9KTYG
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) October 11, 2024
In Warren, Walz fired back, saying:
“Just yesterday, Donald Trump was in Detroit, and he said our whole country will end up being Detroit. You’re going to have a mess on your hands. Well, look, look. I know you don’t—that’s not unexpected for him. That’s exactly what he’s going to do, tear down America.”
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For Walz, Trump’s comments about Detroit weren’t just about one city. They were part of a broader pattern where Trump regularly dismisses the progress of cities that have faced economic struggles but are now on the road to recovery. Walz’s sharp rebuttal resonated not just with the people of Detroit, but with all of middle America.
A City of Comeback and Resilience
Detroit’s history is deeply woven into the fabric of America’s industrial heartland. Once known as the center of the automotive industry, the city fell into hard times in recent decades as factory closures, economic downturns, and population decline plagued the area. Despite these challenges, Detroit has been experiencing a renaissance in recent years. Crime is down, factories are reopening, and the city’s economy is stabilizing.
As Walz pointed out:
“But if the guy woulda ever spent any time in the Midwest, like all of us know, we’d know Detroit’s experience in American comeback and renaissance. Look, I’m a twin sin and you whipped our ass. We know where this is. Detroit’s there, so we know. City’s growing, crimes down, factories are opening up.”
This message from Walz wasn’t just a defense of Detroit, but also a message of hope for other Rust Belt towns that have faced similar struggles. By attacking Detroit, Walz argued, Trump was really attacking all of middle America—the small towns and cities that are trying to rebuild after years of economic hardship. For many, the recovery of places like Detroit represents the resilience of working-class America.
Walz also pointed to Trump’s ignorance when it comes to understanding the nuances of the manufacturing industry. While Trump often boasts about bringing back manufacturing jobs, Walz countered with a hard-hitting statement:
“Those guys, all they know about manufacturing is manufacturing bullshit every time they show up.”
This is what Trump said three days ago while in Detroit:
“The whole country will be like — you want to know the truth? It’ll be like Detroit. Our whole country will end up being like Detroit if she’s your president.”
Detroit’s National Importance
What makes Detroit’s recovery so significant is that it represents the broader fight for the survival of middle America. The city’s fall was symbolic of the decline of American manufacturing, but its current revival stands as a testament to what can happen when cities and industries adapt to modern realities.
Walz’s speech wasn’t just about defending Detroit—it was about defending the idea that places like Detroit can and will make a comeback, despite the naysayers. Trump’s comments were seen as dismissive not just of Detroit, but of the entire Rust Belt, which has been struggling with job losses, deindustrialization, and population decline. For many in middle America, Walz’s message was a much-needed reminder that these cities still matter and have the potential to thrive again.
As Walz passionately explained, Trump’s rhetoric doesn’t just hurt cities like Detroit—it alienates the very people Trump claims to champion.
Conclusion
The viral moment from Tim Walz’s speech struck a chord with many Americans who are tired of hearing Rust Belt cities being dismissed as relics of the past. As Detroit continues to experience its resurgence, Walz’s words have given a voice to the pride and resilience of the region.
In a time where middle America is often overlooked or cast aside, Walz’s defense of Detroit is a reminder that these cities are still standing, and they are on the road to recovery. Trump’s negative rhetoric may have gained him attention, but it’s leaders like Walz who are speaking directly to the heart of the matter: the fight for the future of middle America.
Related Stories
- Donald Trump Faces Backlash After Blasting Detroit’s Economic Recovery
In a recent speech, Trump harshly criticized Detroit, calling it a “mess,” but his remarks were met with immediate backlash from local leaders and residents who see the city’s recovery as a point of pride. Read more here. - How Detroit Is Leading the Rust Belt’s Comeback
Detroit’s recent resurgence in manufacturing, technology, and real estate has become a symbol of hope for other struggling Rust Belt cities. This article explores how the city is navigating its way back to prominence. Read more here. - Tim Walz’s Fiery Speech in Michigan Shows the Power of Rust Belt Pride
Governor Walz’s viral speech in Warren, MI, captured the anger and pride of Rust Belt residents who have been sidelined by years of economic decline. Read more here.
This story reflects Tim Walz’s powerful defense of Detroit and middle America as places of potential and resurgence, challenging Trump’s divisive rhetoric. With Walz standing up for cities like Detroit, it’s clear that middle America is ready to fight back against those who write them off.
Featured image via screengrab
