In a surprising move, former President Donald Trump returned to Michigan, a state he lost in both 2016 and 2020, as part of his 2024 presidential campaign. The Oakland County GOP bestowed upon him the title of "Man of the Decade," a decision that raised eyebrows given his past electoral defeats in the state. During his speech at the Oakland County GOP’s Lincoln Day Dinner, Trump focused on criticizing President Joe Biden's performance, calling him a "disaster" for Michigan, particularly for the auto industry. He also targeted Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, a key figure in Biden's reelection campaign.
This visit marked Trump's first campaign appearance in Michigan, a crucial swing state that played a pivotal role in both his 2016 victory and his 2020 loss. Michigan, along with Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, represents a key battleground that Trump needs to win back to secure a return to the White House. However, his standing in Michigan has weakened since his initial presidential run.
Former GOP congressman Dave Trott, while acknowledging the importance of Michigan for Trump's electoral strategy, expressed concerns about the former president's disruptive influence on the state's Republican Party. Trott, who previously endorsed Trump but later deemed him unfit for office, highlighted the damage Trump has caused to the party's prospects in Michigan.
Trump's influence on Michigan politics was evident in his endorsement of candidates who echoed his unsubstantiated claims of election fraud in 2020. These candidates, including Matthew DePerno for attorney general and Kristina Karamo for secretary of state, ultimately suffered significant defeats in the November elections. The sweeping Democratic victories resulted in Republicans losing control of all levels of state government for the first time in four decades, a stark shift from their dominance between 2011 and 2019.
This power shift is particularly noticeable in Oakland County, a Republican stronghold. Despite Trump's losses in the county in both presidential elections, Biden significantly increased the Democratic vote share compared to Hillary Clinton in 2016, ultimately winning the state by a narrow margin. This underscores the importance of Oakland County for any Republican hoping to carry Michigan.
Despite declining support among some Republican legislators, with several endorsing Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, Trump retains strong backing among state GOP officials. The recent election of Kristina Karamo, a staunch Trump supporter, to lead the Michigan GOP, and the subsequent changes to the state's presidential primary delegate allocation process, are seen as moves that could favor Trump in the upcoming primary.
The new plan, which allocates a significant portion of delegates through closed-door caucus meetings rather than the public primary, has drawn criticism for potentially giving Trump an unfair advantage. While Karamo insists the changes were necessary due to the Democratic Party's decision to move the state's primary date, critics argue that they disproportionately benefit Trump. Karamo has declined to comment on whether Trump or his campaign influenced the decision, emphasizing her commitment to protecting the voice of Michigan voters.
The Republican National Committee, while stating that their guidance to state parties focuses on rules and procedures, has yet to approve Michigan's new primary plan. The RNC's final decision will significantly impact the dynamics of the Republican presidential primary in Michigan.
