As reported by the Daily Mail, Former President Donald Trump kicked off his swing state tour in Pennsylvania, criticizing Vice President Kamala Harris' energy policies and outlining his own plans for energy independence.
During a speech at Precision Components Group in York, Trump accused Harris of embarking on a "regulatory jihad" to shut down power plants across the country.
The former president's remarks come as he seeks to revive his campaign following the Democratic Party's late switch in candidates. Trump's speech, delivered to an audience of about 300 supporters, focused on his vision for an energy-independent and "manufacturing-dominant" nation. He warned that Harris wants to ban fracking and impose a carbon tax, claiming that 50 power plants have closed since she and President Joe Biden took office.
Trump set out a protectionist plan in his address to safeguard American industry from cheap foreign imports. He also outlined his intentions for increased nuclear power and reiterated his opposition to Nippon Steel's planned purchase of U.S. Steel. The former president contrasted his proposed regulation-cutting administration with what he described as Harris' approach to energy policy.
Trump stated:
Kamala is also on a regulatory jihad to shut down power plants all across America now. They're closing nuclear, they're closing coal, they're closing everything. We're not going to have this the way in California they have blackouts all the time.
The 52-minute speech largely followed Trump's prepared remarks despite some digressions into topics such as winning Pennsylvania and the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan.
A significant portion of Trump's speech was dedicated to his plans for nuclear energy. He promised a historic commitment to building Advanced Small Modular Nuclear Reactors (ASMNRs), describing them as "ultra clean" and "very low cost, but they are absolutely safe."
Trump explained that these reactors produce about a third of the power of conventional reactors. Their smaller size makes it easier to find suitable sites for them and presents fewer technical challenges when integrating them into existing infrastructure.
The former president emphasized the potential benefits for Pennsylvania, repeatedly using the slogan "Jobs, Jobs, Jobs" to underscore his message. He contrasted his vision with that of his political opponents, stating:
Instead of shutting down power plants, we will open dozens and dozens more, and they'll happen fast. Kamala stands for energy disappearance and factory obliteration. She will obliterate factories like this. I stand for American energy independence and manufacturing dominance.
Trump's appearance in Pennsylvania is part of a broader strategy to counter the Democratic National Convention taking place in Chicago. While candidates traditionally allow their rivals to enjoy a week in the limelight during their party conventions, Trump has chosen a different approach.
The former president is campaigning this week in a string of battleground states as he fights to regain his footing in the race. Following his Pennsylvania visit, Trump is scheduled to head to Michigan, North Carolina, and Arizona.
By timing his speech for the early afternoon, Trump aimed to dominate headlines well before Biden's major speech in Chicago. This aggressive counterprogramming strategy reflects the former president's determination to maintain a strong media presence throughout the Democratic convention.
In conclusion, Trump's speech in Pennsylvania marked the beginning of his swing state tour, focusing on energy policies and economic plans. He criticized Vice President Harris' approach to energy regulation while promoting his own vision for energy independence and increased nuclear power. The former president's campaign strategy involves actively countering the Democratic National Convention by maintaining a high profile in key battleground states.
