Wisconsin Republican Gov. Scott Walker is reacting to President Donald Trump’s call for a boycott of Milwaukee-based Harley-Davidson, Inc. by saying he wants the company to prosper in the state.
Walker did not directly address Trump’s tweet from Sunday calling for a boycott of the motorcycle maker amid an ongoing steel tariff dispute.
Walker said in a statement that, “I want Harley-Davidson to prosper here in the state of Wisconsin. And one of the best ways for that to happen is to do what the president has called for and that is to get to no tariffs.”
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Harley drew Trump’s wrath in June after the company announced plans to move production of motorcycles sold in Europe to facilities outside the United States.
The company blames the decision on tariffs imposed by the European Union to retaliate for tariffs Trump imposed on a host of EU products.
On Sunday, Trump tweeted that “many” Harley-Davidson owners plan to boycott the company if manufacturing moves overseas.
The president’s statement followed a meeting Saturday with about 180 bikers who are part of a “Bikers for Trump” fan group at his golf course in Bedminster, New Jersey.
Milwaukee-based Harley-Davidson declined to comment. In July, Harley said it expects new tariffs to cost the company as much as $100 million annually.
Many @harleydavidson owners plan to boycott the company if manufacturing moves overseas. Great! Most other companies are coming in our direction, including Harley competitors. A really bad move! U.S. will soon have a level playing field, or better.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 12, 2018
Editor’s note: This story was updated at 10:24 a.m. Monday, Aug. 13, 2018 with Gov. Scott Walker’s comments.
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