WASHINGTON – Under pressure from multiple Russia investigations, President Trump sought Monday to change the subject to economic issues by promoting products manufactured in the United States – including by climbing into a shiny red fire engine straight from a factory in Connecticut.

"Where's the fire?" Trump said, in what appeared to be a joke but could easily have been a metaphor. "I'll put it out!"

After taking stock of local items from all 50 states – an eclectic list that included everything from shovels to crab pots and even shotgun chaps – Trump declared "Made in America" week while touting tax cuts, efforts to cut regulations, and trade policies that he said would help U.S.-based businesses grow.

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"We're going to stand up for our companies, and maybe most importantly, for our workers," Trump told supporters during the White House event.

In touring the exhibits, Trump doffed a Stetson hat made in Texas and practiced his stroke with a golf putter made by the Ping company of Arizona, and swung a baseball bat made by Marucci Sports of Louisiana.

Meanwhile, Democrats derided the event as the height of hypocrisy, given the fact that Trump companies feature numerous items made overseas, from dress ties to golf shirts.

"Trump is putting his own interests and profits ahead of those of American businesses and workers," said Daniel Wessel, spokesman for the Democratic National Committee. "Instead of lecturing us, Trump should try setting an example."

Sen. Chris Coons, D-Del., said Trump's proposed budget cuts gut many manufacturing assistance programs, and lawmakers need for Trump "to act, not just talk."

During his event at the White House, Trump signed a proclamation formally declaring this week "Made In America Week."

Trump also touted efforts to change trade rules, an agenda that has included withdrawing the United States from the proposed Trans-Pacific Partnership with Pacific Rim nations and re-negotiating the North American Free Trade Agreement with Canada and Mexico.

"Every member of my administration shares the same goal, to provide a level playing field for American workers and for American industry," he said.

Meanwhile, a major Trump policy promise is on hold: Congress is mired in a debate over attempts to repeal and replace President Obama's health care law. "We're going to get that done, and I think we're going to surprise a lot of people," Trump said.

In extending best wishes to Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., a key Republican hospitalized after surgery, Trump appeared to acknowledge that Republicans can't afford to lose even a single vote for their promised health care overhaul: "We miss him; he's a crusty voice in Washington – plus we need his vote."

And Trump's agenda is shadowed by ongoing investigations by a special counsel and congressional committees into possible links between the Trump campaign and Russians who tried to hack the 2016 presidential campaign.

Just hours before the product fair, Trump tweeted a defense of his son, Donald Trump Jr., for taking a 2016 meeting with a Russian lawyer in the belief that she had incriminating information about Democratic foe Hillary Clinton.

"Most politicians would have gone to a meeting like the one Don jr attended in order to get info on an opponent. That's politics!" Trump said.

Lawmakers from both parties criticized the meeting, saying at the very least it showed that the Trump campaign was willing to work with a foreign government to get dirt on a domestic political opponent.

Yet on the South Lawn at the White House, the mood was festive. The "Made in America" fair featured a helicopter that can be used as Marine One, the presidential chopper manufactured in Connecticut.

Across the main floor of the White House, there were also items ranging from door hinges made in Missouri to beer provided by the Narragansett Brewing Company of Rhode Island.

Many of the items seemed to serve as symbols of the states where they were made. In addition to the cowboy hats from Texas, the "product showcase" included maple syrup from Vermont, a crab pot maker from Maryland, Caterpillar farm equipment from Illinois, Omaha beef from Nebraska, and Chick-fil-A sandwiches from Georgia.

Offbeat items included horseshoes (from Massachusetts) and a cherry-flavored soda known as Cheerwine (from North Carolina). A yachting company from Maine and flag companies from Utah and Virginia also found their way to the White House floor.

The White House has tried theme weeks before. There has been an infrastructure week, a technology week, and a workforce development week this summer. The rest of July will bring "American Heroes Week" and "American Dream Week."

Trump said he would continue to focus on American jobs.

At one display, Trump was presented with a pair of "presidential horseshoes."

"Beautiful, we'll put them in the White House," Trump said. "We'll play horseshoes tonight with the press."