GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — A raucous crowd clapped, cheered and chanted as President Donald Trump held a campaign rally in Grand Rapids Thursday, slamming the Russia investigation, promising to protect the automotive industry and saying he would devote more money to the Great Lakes.
Trump promised "full funding" of $300 million for theGreat Lakes Restoration Initiative, which works to fight pollution and stop invasive species in the lakes and their watersheds. That program has faced funding cuts the last two years in Trump's budget, with the money eventually being restored.
Trump credited hard work from Michigan Republicans in Congress including U.S. Reps. Bill Huizenga of Zeeland and John Moolenaar of Midland.
"We're very close to getting started on the new Soo Locks that people have wanted to build for a very, very long time," Trump added.
In his first rally since the findings of the Russia investigation came out, Trump started by claiming a victory.
"After three years of lies and smears and slander, the Russia hoax is finally dead," he said.
Special counsel Robert Mueller found there was no evidence Trump's campaign colluded with Russia in 2016, though Mueller left the issue of obstruction of justice open. The U.S. attorney general ultimately decided there wasnot enough evidenceto charge Trump with obstruction.
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