Trump to skip 2nd GOP debate, hold rally in Detroit with striking autoworkers

A source familiar with Trump’s plans told the New York Post that Trump is planning to hold the event on September 27, the same day the GOP primary debate is set to take place in California at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, and will feature a primetime speech.

Trump intends to speak not just to striking autoworkers, but also 500 plumbers, pipe-fitters, and electricians at the event, The New York Times reported.

The campaign is considering the possibility of Trump making an appearance at the picket line, though one of Trump’s advisors familiar with the event’s planning told the outlet that this was unlikely, given the security logistics.

In a post to Truth Social on Sunday, Trump said that "The United Autoworkers are being sold down the 'drain' with this all electric car SCAM."

"They’ll be made in China, under Crooked Joe’s CHINA FIRST POLICY. AUTOWORKERS, VOTE FOR TRUMP - I’LL MAKE YOU VICTORIOUS & RICH. IF YOUR “LEADERS” WON’T ENDORSE ME, VOTE THEM OUT OF OFFICE, NOW. WITH THE DEMOCRATS & CROOKED JOE CALLING THE SHOTS, YOU’LL BE JOBLESS & PENNILESS WITHIN 4 YEARS. REMEMBER, BIDEN IS A CROOK WHO HAS BEEN PAID MILLIONS OF DOLLARS BY CHINA, & OTHERS. He is a Manchurian Candidate!!!" Trump wrote.

Monday marked the fourth day of the strike against Ford, General Motors, and Stellantis, with around 13,000 workers represented by the United Auto Workers union refusing to work until they’re offered better benefits and wages.

The union notably refused to endorse Biden in the spring, with President Shawn Fain explaining serious concerns about the Biden admin’s push for electric vehicles.

Trump skipped the first GOP debate, held in Milwaukee last month, to instead do an interview with with Tucker Carlson, which aired as the candidates took the stage.