By Helen Coster, Nathan Layne
Former President Donald Trump is set to visit a Michigan town just one month after a rally by white supremacists, causing backlash from Democrats who accuse his campaign of stoking racial tensions for political gain.
Trump will be discussing "crime and safety" at the Livingston County Sheriff's Office in Howell, a town near Detroit. Despite criticism of the event's location, a Trump campaign spokesperson assured that Trump will speak out against "hate in any form."
This event is part of Trump's series of appearances this week, coinciding with the Democratic National Convention where Vice President Kamala Harris will be officially nominated as the party's candidate for the upcoming election.
The choice of Howell for the event has raised eyebrows due to its historical ties to the Ku Klux Klan. The town was linked to the KKK in the 1970s, and a recent white supremacist march through downtown Howell has further fueled concerns.
The Harris campaign has condemned Trump's decision to hold the event in Howell, criticizing his silence on the racist and anti-Semitic displays associated with his supporters.
Trump has faced widespread criticism for his racist remarks about Harris, including questioning her racial identity and making derogatory comments about her.
In a recent social media post, Trump's campaign compared a small-town American scene to images of Black migrants in New York City, sparking accusations of racism from civil rights groups.
Local activists and political experts have questioned the timing and location of Trump's visit to Howell, emphasizing the significance of the event in a community that has a history of racial tensions.
Michael Murphy, the sheriff of Livingston County and a Trump supporter, defended the choice of Howell as the event location, citing the area's low crime rates and the opportunity to showcase law enforcement equipment.
Despite the controversies surrounding Trump's visit, campaign officials view it as a strategic move to garner media attention in a key swing state like Michigan.
Overall, Trump's visit to Howell highlights the ongoing debate about race, politics, and community values in America, underscoring the importance of addressing issues of hate and discrimination in society.