Tom Barrett, a Trump-backed Republican candidate vying for a House seat in Michigan’s 7th District, is sounding the alarm about China’s expanding influence in the state. Barrett argues that the Democrats’ approval of a $2.4 billion electric vehicle battery plant, constructed by a Chinese company called Gotion, poses a significant threat to both national security and economic security. He claims that the plant’s proximity to a military installation raises serious concerns about potential espionage.
Barrett, an Army veteran with experience in the Michigan state legislature, highlights the fact that the state government is funneling nearly $200 million of taxpayer money to the Chinese company. He sees this as a betrayal of Michiganders struggling with rising costs of living and insists that this deal is not only detrimental to American jobs but also poses a national security threat.
Barrett’s opponent, Curtis Hertel, a former state senator who served as Governor Whitmer’s director of legislative affairs, has been accused by Barrett of signing a non-disclosure agreement to negotiate the deal with Gotion while in office. Barrett cites warnings from former Obama administration CIA director Leon Panetta, who expressed concerns that China would exploit the plant for espionage purposes.
Beyond the Chinese influence issue, Barrett is also deeply critical of the Biden administration’s border policies, which he blames for the influx of fentanyl into the country. He emphasizes the devastating impact of fentanyl overdose deaths, highlighting that they now represent the leading cause of death for Americans his age. Barrett advocates for stricter border security measures, including reinstating the ‘remain in Mexico’ policy and prioritizing border patrol agents over asylum processing.
Barrett, with his military background, further strengthens his arguments by drawing a parallel between the threats posed by terrorists at Guantanamo Bay and the potential risks associated with allowing individuals on the terror watchlist to enter the United States.
Despite currently leading in his race, Barrett underscores the need for continued vigilance, recognizing the competitive nature of the 7th Congressional District race. He believes that the outcome of the election will have a significant impact on the direction of the country, and he is urging voters to choose a path that prioritizes border security, cost of living control, and a strong stance against foreign adversaries.
