Trump discusses tariffs and immigration issues at a rally in Wisconsin, seeking to solidify his electoral base
Trump promised to impose unprecedented tariffs at a rally in Wisconsin to address immigration issues and solidify support from the working class and rural white population. He warned that if he defeats Harris in the November election, even EU allies will face new trade restrictions. Trump believes that immigration is a serious threat to Wisconsin and claims that illegal immigrants have caused a rise in local crime rates. Despite facing challenges of declining approval ratings, he still hopes to maintain his advantage among white voters without a college degree
MOSINEE, Wisconsin, September 7 (Reuters) - Trump promised unprecedented tariffs in Wisconsin on Saturday, vowing to combat what he called the theft of job opportunities and the killing of Americans by immigrants. Trump is trying to solidify his support among working-class and rural white voters.
The Republican presidential candidate warned at a rally at a regional airport in Mosinee that even allies like the EU would face new trade restrictions if he defeats Democratic candidate Harris on November 5.
He repeatedly portrayed immigrants as a serious threat to Wisconsin and warned without evidence that illegal immigrants could drive local residents out of their homes.
"Crime is soaring, you haven't seen immigrant crime yet," Trump said. "It's starting, and it's vicious, but you haven't seen the severity of it."
Trump also warned, as he has at previous rallies, that the 2024 election could be America's last.
This summer, after his Democratic rival, Vice President Harris, replaced President Biden as the Democratic nominee, support for the former president declined among most demographic groups.
According to the latest Reuters/Ipsos poll conducted in August, Harris leads Trump by 13 percentage points among Hispanic voters nationwide; Biden led by only 5 percentage points in this group in May. Among African American voters, Harris leads Biden by 7 percentage points.
However, the same poll shows that her support among white voters has remained almost unchanged. The latest Reuters/Ipsos poll shows that white voters without a college degree, a long-standing stronghold of the Trump alliance, still lead Trump by 25 percentage points. In the Trump-Biden race, Trump led by 29 percentage points.
Several of Trump's advisers and allies recently told Reuters that if Trump wants to defeat Harris, it will be crucial to maintain his advantage among white working-class voters and increase voter turnout in this group.
This is particularly important in the northern "Rust Belt" states, including Wisconsin. These states have a high proportion of white residents and a large rural population. Part of the reason Trump won the presidency in 2016 was his promise to bring back industrial job opportunities to these areas, winning over these regions.
"We will not stand by and watch our wealth and jobs be taken from us and sent abroad, Wisconsin will be one of the biggest beneficiaries," Trump said when discussing his proposed trade policies.
Saturday's rally was one of Trump's final public appearances before his debate with Harris in Philadelphia on Tuesday. Many of his allies are urging him to focus on policy attacks and avoid harsh personal attacks.
In a speech filled with dissatisfaction on Saturday, Trump did not focus on Harris's racial identity, but a recording played at the rally sounded like an imitation of Harris's laughter. Trump often mocks Harris's laughter