U.S. President Joe Biden hosts a summit with Pacific islands leaders on the White House in Washington, D.C., Sept. 25, 2023.
Leah Millis | Reuters
WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden‘s choice to be part of striking United Auto Workers in Detroit, Michigan, on Tuesday was not influenced by former president Donald Trump’s deliberate visit Wednesday, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre stated.
“Absolutely not,” Jean-Pierre stated when requested on the press briefing Monday. “This choice to visit the picket line was primarily based on his personal want. This is what the president needed — to stand with autoworkers. That’s what you are going to see the president do tomorrow.”
Jean-Pierre stated Biden is visiting the picket line on the invitation of UAW President Shawn Fain and stands with autoworkers, although she did not get into particulars of the continued negotiations between the union and automakers.
The UAW, which represents about 146,000 staff throughout Ford, General Motors and Stellantis, has traditionally supported Democrats and endorsed Biden in 2020, however it’s the solely main union that has but to endorse the president for reelection.
UAW staff on Friday expanded their strike to 38 elements and distribution areas throughout 20 states, focusing on GM and Stellantis. The union will not provoke further strikes at Ford Motor, as the corporate has confirmed it is “critical about reaching a deal,” Fain stated in a Facebook Live remark.
Trump introduced final week he would skip the second GOP debate in California and communicate with placing UAW members as an alternative.