Sept. 27 (UPI) — Former President Donald Trump is set to speak at the non-union car parts manufacturer, Drake Enterprises, on Wednesday. This event coincides with the ongoing strike by the United Auto Workers union against Ford Motor Co., Stellantis, and General Motors.
Drake Enterprises, located in Clinton Township, Mich., opposes the Biden administration’s transition to electric vehicles. The announcement of Trump’s visit was made by the company in a Facebook post on Tuesday.
“In 2019, we rolled out an employee engagement program centered on patriotism and support for America,” the company stated in their post.
“This program aims to inspire our workforce to embody the American Dream, whatever that may be for each employee. We value this opportunity and are honored to provide a platform to one of America’s former leaders.”
Trump’s speech comes shortly after the Trump campaign criticized President Joe Biden for showing solidarity with the union by joining picket lines in the Detroit area. The campaign labeled it as a “PR stunt” to “distract and deceive the American people,” according to a statement.
The union leader, Shawn Fain, called it “pathetic irony” that Trump’s rally, supposedly in support of union workers, will be held at a non-union business. Fain criticized the former president for his anti-union record in an interview with CNN (source).
Fain pointed out that Trump blamed union members for the 2008 recession and failed to support them during the UAW strike against General Motors in 2019. He expressed his disinterest in meeting with Trump during his visit, stating that he believes Trump prioritizes the interests of the wealthy over the working class.
When asked if this indicated an endorsement for President Joe Biden in the 2024 presidential election, Fain refrained from giving a direct answer, indicating that his comments only reflect his personal views of Trump. However, in the 2020 election, the UAW endorsed Biden.
