Novi Hosts Trump Rally as Election Day Approaches

Novi Hosts Trump Rally as Election Day Approaches

NOVI — On October 26, Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump held a lively rally at the Suburban Collection Showplace, aiming to rally support from Michigan voters as early voting began that day, just ten days before Election Day. The atmosphere was electric, with local auto workers and several well-known Michigan Republican candidates stepping in to get the crowd fired up.

Among the speakers were former U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers, who is running for the U.S. Senate, along with U.S. Rep. Lisa McClain and John James, both seeking reelection, and congressional hopeful Tom Barrett. They all urged attendees to vote early. Ashley Keith, a UAW worker from Sterling Heights, expressed the uncertainty of the auto industry, saying, “Working in the auto industry is like riding a roller coaster: You don’t know if you’re going up, down, or taking a turn for the worst.” Keith added, “If we don’t get Trump and Vance in office, then I’m afraid to think that I’m going to start looking for another job.”

Barrett resonated with family concerns, stating how “everything you see today is worse off than it was,” pointing out surging costs for housing and groceries. “We need to ensure families’ voices are heard,” he emphasized. Rogers fired up the audience by noting alarming statistics about food imports and increasing grocery prices due to inflation, stressing the need for a Republican victory to reverse these trends.

Despite the excitement, attendees had to wait a bit longer than expected. Trump was originally scheduled to take the stage at noon but didn’t arrive until after 1:00 PM. Some supporters trickled out as they grew impatient, but a good crowd remained eager to hear what he had to say.

As Trump finally took to the stage, he promised his supporters a brighter future. “After all we have been through together, we stand on the verge of the four greatest years in the history of our country,” he declared. He went on to criticize Vice President Kamal Harris as a “radical leftist” and promoted his vision of returning manufacturing jobs to America, specifically the auto industry. “Vote Trump and you will see a vast exodus of manufacturing jobs from Mexico to Michigan,” he assured the crowd.

Trump also hinted at significant changes in taxation if he returns to office, promising to cut the corporate tax rate and making interest on car loans tax-deductible solely for American-made vehicles. He acknowledged the importance of the auto workers’ vote and received endorsements from local leaders, which added to his appeal.

Not everyone present was in support of Trump’s message, however. Evan Andridge, a Marine Corps veteran and former Trump supporter, expressed his dissent loudly, yelling that Trump had lost the 2020 election. His protests highlighted a divide among attendees and sparked reactions from nearby supporters.

Meanwhile, State Rep. Kelly Breen shared her critical view of the rally. She described Trump as being filled with “piss and vinegar” and contested his claims, stating, “He has so much disdain for Americans,” suggesting his words are more about stoking division than fostering unity.

Despite the mixed reactions, the event illustrated how closely tied the upcoming election is with the hopes and concerns of many Michigan residents. As Trump concluded his address, he reminded everyone that their votes matter for turning the economic tide and shaping the future of America.

With Election Day quickly approaching, it’s clear that both supporters and detractors are socially charged and ready to make their voices heard—embodying the spirit of a pivotal moment in our democracy.