Read the full article on KETV 7
Manufacturing sector shows mixed results under President Trump’s policies
WASHINGTON —
President Donald Trump visited Michigan to promote his economic policies less than 100 days from midterm elections.
The president’s economic agenda is aimed at revitalizing American manufacturing, but federal data shows mixed results in job growth and factory construction spending under the second Trump administration.
Advertisement
“We’re building more auto factories and more plants than at any time in the history of our country,” Trump said during his remarks.
The president has highlighted hundreds of billions of dollars in new manufacturing commitments. However, these announcements have not yet led to a broad factory-building boom. Federal data shows factory construction spending is down 22% compared to a year ago, and has declined each month this year.
Manufacturing employment also reflects a mixed picture. While the sector lost 38,000 jobs over the past year, it added 18,000 jobs in the last six months.
“I’m proud to say that the auto industry is back and America is back and is pulling Detroit and Michigan along with it,” Trump said, emphasizing the auto industry’s role in his economic agenda.
Despite this optimism, employment in motor vehicles and parts has dropped by more than 21,000 jobs from a year ago.
John Boyd, a principal of the Boyd Company, who advises manufacturing companies on site selection and expansion, said the president’s policies are influencing business decisions.
“Of course, there’s always a lag. And you know, many projects have very ambitious timelines,” Boyd said.
He added, “One thing is for certain for site selectors and for economic developers: tariffs and the threat of tariffs and the uncertainty over tariffs and trade policy are creating new projects, and new opportunities coast to coast.”
The president has stated that many new plants are expected to open over the next year, with the ultimate test being whether this promised growth will be reflected in job creation and construction spending.
Follow our midterm election preview coverage:
