Former President Donald Trump made critical comments about Milwaukee during a meeting with House Republicans, calling it a “horrible” city overrun by crime. While Trump’s allies denied that he used the specific term, they defended his remarks by pointing to problems such as violent crime and voter fraud in the city. Some lawmakers, including Republican Rep. Bryan Steil, who was present at the meeting, contested the reports of Trump’s comments and praised Wisconsin as a favorable location for the Republican convention.
In response to Trump’s remarks, Democrats seized the opportunity to criticize him and his administration, with President Joe Biden posting a photo from the Milwaukee Bucks’ visit to the White House and expressing his love for the city. Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson also fired back at Trump, highlighting the challenges faced during his presidency. Wisconsin Democratic coordinated campaign manager Garren Randolph emphasized that voters in Milwaukee are frustrated with Trump and extreme Republicans, promising a strong response at the upcoming convention and in the November elections.
Despite Milwaukee’s eager anticipation of hosting the Republican National Convention in 2024, the city’s relationship with the Republican Party remains fraught, as highlighted by the decision of Kohl’s, a prominent local department store, not to sponsor any related events. Trump’s comments only escalated tensions between the party and the city, with Democrats such as Sen. Tammy Baldwin and Rep. Gwen Moore defending Milwaukee’s vibrant culture and community while also referencing Trump’s recent criminal conviction on falsifying business records as a further point of criticism.
It remains to be seen whether Trump will attend the Republican convention in Milwaukee, as his sentencing for the falsifying business records charges is scheduled just before the event. The possibility of his presence at the convention adds another layer of intrigue to the situation, as tensions between political parties and the former president continue to simmer. As Wisconsin emerges as a key battleground state in future elections, the outcome of events in Milwaukee could have significant implications for both parties and their aspirations for success in the state.
