Tom Barrett warns of China's influence in Michigan's 7th District
- Tom Barrett, a Republican House candidate in Michigan's 7th Congressional District, emphasizes national and economic security concerns regarding a deal with a Chinese company.
- The deal involves a $2.4 billion electric vehicle battery plant announced by Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, which Barrett argues threatens American jobs.
- Barrett is leading in his race but acknowledges the competitive nature of the election, stressing the importance of addressing key issues like inflation and border security.
In a recent interview, Tom Barrett, a Republican candidate for Michigan's 7th Congressional District, expressed significant concerns regarding a deal involving a Chinese company, Gotion, which plans to build a $2.4 billion electric vehicle battery plant in the state. Barrett, an Army veteran and former state legislator, highlighted the potential national security risks associated with the deal, claiming it could allow the Chinese government to spy on American citizens. He criticized the state government, backed by his Democratic opponent, for allocating nearly $200 million in state tax money to facilitate this project while families in Michigan struggle with rising costs of living. Barrett's campaign focuses on several key issues, including spiraling inflation, border security, and the fentanyl crisis. He advocates for stricter measures against drug dealers, suggesting that harsher penalties, similar to those in China, could help combat the drug problem in the U.S. He also emphasizes the need for enhanced border security to prevent potential threats from entering the country. Despite currently leading in the polls against his opponent, Barrett remains cautious, acknowledging the competitive nature of the race. He believes that President Trump is well-positioned to win Michigan, but he stresses the importance of not taking anything for granted in this election cycle. Overall, Barrett's campaign is characterized by a strong focus on national security and economic issues, aiming to resonate with voters concerned about the implications of foreign influence and domestic challenges.