President Trump focuses on economic message during Rocky Mount speech
ROCKY MOUNT, N.C. (WTVD) -- Hundreds lined up in the cold Friday to hear President Trump speak at the Rocky Mount Event Center.
Terri Mrazek drove out from Winston-Salem for the president, and a candidate who will be on the ballot next November.
"I'm here for not only our president, but for Michael Whatley as well. We want to help him, you know, win this election," she said.
President Trump urged voters to support Michael Whatley. The former RNC chairman is running for Senate next year in North Carolina.
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Whatley tells Eyewitness News he was excited to hear about the President's visit.
"To be endorsed by the president, supported by the president, and have him come here to North Carolina, it's absolutely fantastic," he said.
President Trump spent much of his speech Friday night talking about one topic, the economy.
"One year ago our country was dead, now we are the hottest country of anywhere in the world," said President Trump. "Since my inauguration, we've created more than 53,000 North Carolina jobs and 8,000 North Carolina construction jobs."
The President specifically highlighted tariffs he placed on China, which he says will help revitalize the North Carolina furniture industry.
"I approved 25, 30, and 50% tariffs to save North Carolina's cherished furniture industry, which has been decimated by China," he said.
U.S. Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer tells Eyewitness News the administration is making investments in developing a skilled workforce, including here in the Tar Heel State.
"We want to make sure that they can earn while you learn. We have a skilled workforce. We're going to see biotech come to North Carolina," said Sec. Chavez-DeRe We're seeing investments in the industry here. We want to make sure that the workforce is prepared."
The president also spoke out about Congressman Don Davis. Rep. Davis represents the district, including the area of Rocky Mount. The district has been redrawn ahead of the midterm elections next year.
President Trump also talked about the relief needed to rebuild western North Carolina after Hurricane Helene, and spoke about the full federal recognition received by the Lumbee Tribe this week.
Trump was last in North Carolina in June to celebrate the Army's 250th anniversary.
SEE ALSO: Ahead of President Trump's visit, Rocky Mount community say they feel squeezed by high costs
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