Donald Trump is skipping the second GOP debate to speak to striking autoworkers in Detroit, per CNBC.
A campaign spokesperson has officially confirmed what was reported in The New York Times: Trump, the undisputed front-runner in the race for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, intends to counterprogram against the second primary debate, even as his rivals strive to catch up to his lead.

The former president's travel plans became apparent just days after thousands of United Auto Workers (UAW) members initiated a strike at three prominent factories following the failure of negotiations between the union and Detroit automakers.

A source within the campaign emphasized that Trump aims to address an audience exceeding 500 individuals, consisting not only of autoworkers but also encompassing plumbers, pipefitters, and electricians.

However, the UAW itself reacted strongly to the news regarding Trump's latest campaign tactic.

"Every aspect of our union is dedicated to combating the billionaire class and an economic system that enriches individuals like Donald Trump while disadvantaging the workforce," stated UAW President Shawn Fain, as shared in a statement with CNBC.

"We cannot continue electing billionaires and millionaires who lack comprehension of the challenges faced by those living paycheck to paycheck, struggling to make ends meet, and expect them to resolve the issues confronting the working class," emphasized Fain's statement.

Fain had previously expressed that a second Trump term in the White House would be nothing short of a "disaster."