At a recent rally in Detroit, pop star Lizzo fiercely rebuked former President Donald Trump’s comments about the city, claiming that if Vice President Kamala Harris wins the 2024 election, the "whole country would end up being like Detroit." Trump made these remarks during a speech earlier in October at the Detroit Economic Club, where he harshly criticized Harris, her policies, and the city itself, warning that America could face the same challenges as Detroit if she were to win the presidency.
Lizzo, however, turned Trump’s statement on its head. Appearing at a Harris campaign event, she declared that if the country resembled Detroit, it would be a source of pride. “Proud like Detroit. Resilient like Detroit. We’re talking about the same Detroit that innovated the auto industry and the music industry, so put some respect on Detroit’s name, OK?” she exclaimed, drawing loud cheers from the crowd. Her remarks came as part of a broader defense of Harris’s candidacy, as well as a celebration of the Motor City’s cultural and historical significance.
Lizzo says "if Kamala wins then the whole country will look like Detroit"
I'm from South Africa, (one of the highest crime rates in the world) & I've never been robbed on tour. I was in Detroit last year & our tour van was robbed TWICE in one night 🤣pic.twitter.com/j8CXJgbrPk
— The Kiffness (@TheKiffness) October 19, 2024
Trump’s original comments about Detroit were not well-received by the city’s leadership or its residents. In his speech, he argued that Harris’s policies would cause the entire nation to resemble Detroit, a city he described as being in decline.
The former president went on to claim that Harris and the Democratic Party have been a “disaster” for cities like Detroit and that a Harris presidency would spell further economic and social decay for the country.
Lizzo said "if Kamala is elected the whole country will look like Detroit."
Do you want our WHOLE country to look like this?pic.twitter.com/6obQoejync
— aka (@akafacehots) October 20, 2024
This isn’t the first time Trump has taken aim at Detroit. In previous speeches, he referred to living in the city as “like living in hell,” doubling down on his long-standing critique of Democrat-led cities. However, Detroit voters have historically rejected Trump’s rhetoric and policies, overwhelmingly voting against him in past elections. The city, which has a predominantly Democratic base, is expected to remain a stronghold for Harris and the Democratic Party.
Lizzo’s defense of Detroit reflects a broader effort by Democrats to embrace the city’s gritty, resilient image as a symbol of hope and innovation rather than decline. Harris herself wore a “Detroit vs. Everybody” T-shirt under her blazer during the rally, further cementing her connection to the city and her alignment with its spirit of perseverance.
The ongoing exchange between Trump and Democrats over Detroit underscores the high stakes of the 2024 election. Both sides are vying for support in Michigan, a key battleground state, where Trump has already promised a “Michigan miracle” if he wins, pledging to revitalize Detroit’s economy. Meanwhile, Harris and her surrogates continue to frame Detroit as a symbol of what’s possible under Democratic leadership.
As the race for the White House intensifies, Michigan remains a focal point, with both candidates frequently visiting the state and making Detroit a central theme in their campaigns. For Trump, the city represents what he claims are the failures of the Democratic Party, while for Harris and her supporters, it stands as a testament to resilience and reinvention in the face of adversity.
