Trump-endorsed House candidate sounds alarm on China’s growing influence in battleground state
Tom Barrett, a Trump-endorsed House candidate, has sounded the alarm on China’s growing influence in Michigan, a key battleground state. Barrett, an Army veteran and former state legislator, highlighted the issue of China’s increasing presence in Michigan, particularly with the state government’s decision to send nearly $200 million in state tax money to a Chinese-backed, Communist Party-affiliated company to build a battery plant. This move has raised concerns about national security and economic security, with Barrett stating that the deal is “rotten to the core” and risks American jobs.
Barrett also pointed to remarks from former Obama administration CIA director Leon Panetta, who warned that China would likely use the battery plant for espionage purposes. This has further fueled Barrett’s calls to secure the border and prevent Chinese companies from spying on the U.S. “I don’t think there’s any question that they’re going to take advantage of that situation,” Panetta warned. Barrett emphasized that Michiganders are aware of this issue and are stepping up to address it, making it a major concern in the upcoming elections.
