President Donald Trump on Monday cast the resurgence of the U.S. auto industry as proof that his America First economic agenda is working, telling supporters at General Motors' Proving Grounds in Milford, Michigan, that his tariffs and manufacturing policies have helped restore domestic production as Republicans head into the midterm elections in 99 days.

Speaking at the historic testing facility, Trump argued the nation's manufacturing base has rebounded after what he described as decades of decline under previous administrations, saying the United States is building more auto plants than at any point in its history.

"Today, I'm proud to say that the auto industry is back and America is back, and it's pulling Detroit and Michigan along with it," Trump said in comments that aired live on Newsmax and the Newsmax2 streaming platform. "Our country is so successful, it's pulling it along."

Trump repeatedly contrasted his economic record with that of former President Joe Biden, arguing that Democrats' trade and energy policies threatened Michigan's automotive sector while his administration has restored investment and production.

He credited his 25% tariffs on imported automobiles and foreign trucks with encouraging manufacturers to expand U.S. operations rather than produce vehicles overseas.

"My policy is simple. If you make your truck or your car in a foreign country, you have to pay for the privilege of sending it into our market," Trump said. "But if you build in a factory in Michigan or someplace in our country ... you pay zero tariff."

The president, in Michigan to stump for U.S. Senate candidate Mike Rogers, gubernatorial candidate Rep. John James, and other Republicans running in November, claimed the tariffs have generated "hundreds of billions of dollars" in revenue while helping reverse years of manufacturing losses.

Trump also highlighted General Motors' recent investments, saying the automaker increased truck and SUV production by 20% this year and has invested $9 billion over the past two years to bring manufacturing back to the United States. He said companies including Ford, Toyota and Hyundai also are relocating production to U.S. facilities because "they're coming back home where they belong."

The president said he ended what he called Biden's electric vehicle mandate and fuel economy regulations, arguing those policies would have devastated the domestic auto industry by forcing manufacturers away from internal combustion engines.

"As long as I'm president, that will never happen," Trump said of ending gasoline-powered vehicles.

Beyond the auto industry, Trump touted broader economic indicators as evidence his agenda is succeeding ahead of the midterms, saying his administration has secured $19.2 trillion in investment commitments, reduced the U.S. trade deficit with China by 71%, and attracted record levels of employment.

"Under our leadership, investment is booming, incomes are rising, and the stock market has 73 all-time highs," Trump said. He also asserted that "there are more Americans working today ... than at any time in history" and that inflation is falling at its fastest pace in more than six years.

Trump framed those accomplishments as a reason for voters to keep Republicans in control of Congress this November, telling the audience that the country has become "the hottest country anywhere in the world" after what he described as years of economic decline.

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