Tom Perez, chairman of the Democratic National Committee, told an audience at the United Steelworkers’ annual convention that he understands and even respects why many in the labor movement voted for President Trump and said his party had to “earn your trust” once again.

“I understand that we are in a divided nation. I understand that in this election many people who voted in the past for Barack Obama or other Democrats decided to vote differently — And I respect those choices,” Perez said, adding later, “I understand the work we have ahead as Democrats: We have to earn your trust.”