DETROIT, Michigan – Former President Trump will forgo an upcoming Republican primary debate to address autoworkers in Detroit next week, as reported by insiders from his camp. This will be the second debate the former president has decided to bypass, signaling a possible shift in his campaign strategy.

Trump’s commitment to visit Detroit on September 27 coincides with the timing of the Republican primary debate at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, California. Despite this perceived avoidance, an unnamed source affirms the veracity of the report and the actions of the Trump campaign.

The decision isn’t uncharacteristic for the former president, who skipped last month’s debate preferring to sit down for a pre-taped interview with ex-Fox News host Tucker Carlson. His choices suggest a lack of interest in attending any future GOP primary debates – a series of political events set to take place monthly till the Republican convention next summer.

This visit comes at a critical time as the United Auto Workers (UAW) union and the “Big Three” – Ford, General Motors, and Stellantis – engage in passionate negotiations. Disagreements have resulted in a strike led by the UAW following the expiration of their workers’ contracts, and stalling of negotiations.

The conflict stems from UAW’s demands that include wage increases, cost-of-living pay amendments, a reduced 32-hour workweek with full 40-hour pay, union representation for workers at newer battery plants, and reinstated pensions for new hires, who currently receive only 401(k)-style retirement plans.

Trump has been critical of the UAW leadership in recent days. During an NBC News interview last week, he criticized the UAW leadership without explicitly expressing his position concerning the ongoing contract deliberations. He claims the auto workers aren’t receiving adequate representation, suggesting the leadership should support him to benefit their members.

The upcoming speech in Detroit is expected to provide an opportunity for Trump to continue his criticism of the UAW leadership and potentially sway autoworkers’ votes in his favor. His precise stand on the union’s ongoing negotiations with the Big Three, however, remains to be seen.