"Trump Urges Union Backing in Fiery GOP Debate Address"

Former President Donald Trump demanded union support for his vision of economic nationalism during a speech in Michigan, warning of doom for the auto industry if his policies were not embraced. Trump advocated for more aggressive state intervention in industrial policy, including trade restrictions, fossil fuels, and even expropriation of foreign assets. He criticized the Biden administration's policies on electric vehicles and accused them of endangering U.S. manufacturing. Trump sought the endorsement of the United Auto Workers (UAW) and warned of their imminent extinction if they did not support him. The UAW has not endorsed Biden's reelection but has criticized Trump's policies. Trump's speech was seen as an attempt to appeal to working-class voters and peel off rank-and-file union members from their leaders.