In Savannah, Georgia, former President Donald Trump outlined economic policies aimed at reclaiming manufacturing jobs that have moved overseas. Speaking to approximately 2,500 supporters at the Johnny Mercer Theatre on Tuesday, Trump discussed his plans for a “manufacturing renaissance,” emphasizing tax cuts and tariffs to attract jobs back to the United States.
During his speech, Trump advocated for a reduction of the corporate tax rate from 21% to 15% for companies manufacturing domestically. He also proposed substantial tariffs on imported goods and suggested creating special manufacturing zones on federal land with lower taxes and regulations to benefit American producers. Trump’s vision included utilizing U.S. resources, with fewer environmental regulations, to support homegrown manufacturing.
Trump’s remarks included a diverse range of topics, from criticizing Vice President Kamala Harris’s tax proposals to discussing mass deportations and the war in Ukraine. He repeated a pledge to enact mass deportations and commented on Russia’s military history. Additionally, Trump mentioned two assassination attempts against him earlier this summer.
Despite the broad scope of his speech, Trump did not delve into specifics for many of his proposals. Some economists and fellow Republicans have expressed concern that expanded tariffs could negatively impact American consumers due to potential retaliatory tariffs on U.S. exports. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell voiced his opposition to tariffs, citing their potential to raise consumer prices and emphasizing the benefits of free trade.
Throughout his address, Trump refrained from criticizing Georgia’s Republican Governor Brian Kemp. Instead, he praised Kemp, marking a notable shift from his previous critiques. Trump’s speech also touched on the electric vehicle (EV) industry and Biden administration emissions rules, which some Republicans oppose as excessive. Georgia has become a significant hub for EV manufacturing, highlighted by a substantial investment in a Hyundai compound near Savannah.
Trump’s visit to Georgia is part of a broader campaign strategy focusing on key swing states, including Georgia, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania. He held a rally in Pennsylvania on Monday and is scheduled to visit North Carolina on Wednesday.