Joe Taschler

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

President Donald Trump on Thursday used a lunch meeting at the White House with executives and union leaders from Milwaukee-based Harley-Davidson Inc. to push his "America First" theme in trade deals.

"A lot of countries are taking advantage of us," Trump said during a press briefing with the executives and union members.

"Thank you Harley-Davidson for building things in America," Trump said during his remarks.

He also used the opportunity to tout his election night victory in Wisconsin. "I want to thank the people of Wisconsin," Trump said. "Great people. Amazing people. And they get it."

The president also focused on his theme of the need for health care and tax reform to help businesses succeed. He pledged to bring down the high cost of health care and also promised tax reform, issues he has repeatedly raised during his time so far in office.

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Earlier in the week, Trump reportedly had planned to visit Harley's production plant in Menomonee Falls on Thursday. Harley executives issued a statement denying that plan, saying they "don't have, nor did we have, a scheduled visit from the President this week at any of our facilities."

The Washington Post reported that Secret Service agents were scouting out the plant in advance for a visit by Trump. The newspaper said an employee at the Hilton City Center in Milwaukee was told by management to expect 100 Secret Service agents to be staying at the hotel by Wednesday.

The Post reported that a “presidential” flight on Feb. 2 from Washington to the Milwaukee area was canceled Wednesday, according to the National Business Aviation Association's website, which tracks temporary flight restrictions.

During a White House briefing Wednesday, press secretary Sean Spicer denied that Trump's visit to Milwaukee was canceled because of fears of protesters at the Harley plant.

Trump had considered his options, Spicer said, and ultimately decided to invite the Harley-Davidson executives to visit the White House instead.

“Look, it was easier for the executives to come here, considering the week and all of the activity that's been going on,” Spicer said. “No decision had been made about or announced as to what we were doing.”

On Thursday evening, about 100 people attended a rally held by the Milwaukee Coalition Against Trump to “celebrate stopping Trump’s planned visit,” and to condemn Milwaukee County Sheriff David A. Clarke Jr.

“Where ever you go there will be resistance,” local activist Jacob Flom told about 100 people outside the Milwaukee County courthouse, where he labeled Clarke one of Trump’s Milwaukee “henchmen.”

“We believe we really set a precedent.”

Jesse Garza of the Journal Sentinel staff contributed to this report.