MADISON - Gov. Tony Evers urged President Donald Trump to change directions on trade Monday, telling him his "never-ending tariffs" are hurting Wisconsin farmers.

"One Tweet can harm thousands of Wisconsin citizens who make their living in our agricultural industry," the Democratic governor wrote to the Republican president. "As many farmers will tell you, aid payments cannot make up for what they’ve lost financially or personally."

He sent his letter as Wisconsin Democrats highlighted the one-year anniversary of Trump suggesting on Twitter that people should boycott Milwaukee icon Harley-Davidson Inc. for shifting some production overseas. The motorcycle-maker attributed to the decision to a trade dispute with Europe.

"Trump is hellbent on continuing down the road to economic chaos and ruin," said Ben Wikler, chairman of the Democratic Party of Wisconsin. "We can't afford another four years of his economic policies. He's walking us to the brink of an economic recession and if it comes — and when it comes — we know he won't be able to solve it."

Republican National Committee spokeswoman Mandi Merritt argued Trump is helping farmers by negotiating better trade deals and contended Evers was hurting the state's business climate.

“Finally we have a president who is getting tough on China and is serious about leveling the playing field for Wisconsin workers," Merritt said in a statement.

Last year, Trump threw then-Gov. Scott Walker and other Wisconsin Republicans off base when he tweeted, "Many @harleydavidson owners plan to boycott the company if manufacturing moves overseas. Great!"

After initially avoiding the issue at the time, Walker and the others eventually said they opposed a boycott but supported Trump's stated goal of ultimately eliminating all tariffs.

Contact Patrick Marley at patrick.marley@jrn.com. Follow him on Twitter at @patrickdmarley.