Vice President J.D. Vance addressed workers at Vantage Plastics on Friday, where he urged demonstrators outside the event to “get off the streets and back to work.”

Vance, joined by U.S. Small Business Administration chief Kelly Loeffler, spoke at the Michigan-based plastic manufacturing facility as part of an event focused on America’s industrial resurgence.

During his speech, Vance pointed to the protesters gathered outside as evidence of the need for a stronger domestic manufacturing sector.

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“We’ve got this great event, this great facility, great business and of course, great workers and I’m sure all of us saw there were a few protesters outside and I can’t be the only person wondering, you know, it’s a little after noon on a Friday, and don’t you all have jobs?” Vance said.

“I mean, who are the people? And I think that’s one of the reasons why we’ve got to rebuild American manufacturing and support great companies like Vantage Plastics because we want these people to get off the streets and back to work. It’d be good for them and it’d be good for everybody else too.”

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Vantage Plastics, which received a $1.2 million grant from the state of Michigan in 2023, was awarded the funds to establish its operations in the state and create 93 new jobs, according to Bridge Michigan.

The company has since expanded its workforce as part of efforts to strengthen the region’s industrial sector.

The event highlighted the Trump administration’s broader strategy to bring manufacturing jobs back to the United States.

President Donald Trump has proposed a series of tariffs aimed at increasing domestic production, including a 50% tariff on Canadian aluminum and steel.

Tariffs on China and Mexico are also being considered as part of the administration’s economic policy to reduce reliance on foreign manufacturing.

As part of these efforts, Trump recently announced the creation of the “Office of Shipbuilding,” which will focus on revitalizing commercial and military shipbuilding.

The move comes amid growing concerns over China’s dominance in maritime manufacturing.

The White House has pointed to positive job growth as a sign of success, reporting that 10,000 new manufacturing jobs were added in February.

The automotive industry, in particular, saw a surge, with 9,000 new positions created.

Vance’s remarks in Michigan come just days after he faced hecklers during a speech at the National League of Cities in Washington, D.C.

The vice president was criticized for speaking out about the economic impact of illegal immigration, which he argued was contributing to financial strain on American workers.

As the Trump administration continues to focus on economic growth and manufacturing job creation, officials are expected to push forward with policies aimed at reducing outsourcing and strengthening domestic industries.

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