DENTON, Texas — President Donald Trump highlighted manufacturing growth and his administration’s economic policies Thursday during a visit to Peterbilt Motors in Denton, where he also campaigned for Republican U.S. Senate nominee Ken Paxton ahead of the November midterm election.
Trump pointed to Peterbilt’s Denton facility as an example of what he described as the results of his trade and economic policies. Peterbilt said tariffs implemented last year helped the company add more than 1,000 jobs at the Denton plant.
“Workers like you and companies like this have always been loyal to our country,” Trump said, criticizing previous administrations over foreign trade and manufacturing.
Trump also cited changes to federal emissions regulations and other policies affecting the trucking industry. He said manufacturing wages had increased since he took office and claimed the United States added 60,000 manufacturing jobs this year.
He also said heavy truck manufacturing and shipments had reached record levels under his administration.
Trump praised Peterbilt employees during the visit and recognized workers with family ties to the company. Sarah Renshaw, a Peterbilt events manager whose parents worked for the company, said the company’s growth allowed her son to join its workforce.
Trump also joked that he would buy and drive one of Peterbilt’s trucks if the Secret Service approved it.
The Denton visit also focused on the Texas Senate race.
Paxton joined Trump at the Peterbilt facility, where Trump praised the attorney general and Republican Senate nominee for supporting him during political battles.
Trump called Paxton a strong candidate for the Senate and criticized Democratic nominee James Talarico, using disparaging language to describe his opponent.
Paxton is challenging Talarico in the November election for the U.S. Senate seat. The race has drawn national attention as Republicans seek to retain the seat.
Trump’s visit came as his administration promotes manufacturing, trade and economic policies ahead of the midterm elections. White House officials have pointed to Peterbilt’s job growth and increased domestic truck production as examples of those policies’ effects.