Supporters Defend Trump's Words
Supporters of Trump, including several congressmen, claim he was referring to the city’s crime rate and issues with voter fraud.
Source: Wiki Commons
Trump has a history of criticizing Democratic-led cities for being unsafe, despite recent FBI statistics showing a national decrease in violent crime.
Differing Republican Views
There were mixed responses from Republicans in the room about what Trump meant.
Source: @TheTelegraph/YouTube
Rep. Derrick Van Orden insisted Trump was talking about Milwaukee’s crime rate, while Rep. Scott Fitzgerald said Trump referred to concerns about election integrity in the city.
Denial from Other Republicans
Some Republicans, like Rep. Bryan Steil, disputed that Trump made the comment at all.
Source: Pool/Getty Images
Steil posted on X, “President Trump did not say this. There is no better place than Wisconsin in July.”
Democrats React Swiftly
Democrats, including President Joe Biden, quickly responded to Trump’s reported remarks.
Source: Adam Schultz/Pexels
Biden posted a photo of himself with the Milwaukee Bucks, saying, “I happen to love Milwaukee.”
Local Leaders Defend Milwaukee
Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson and U.S. Rep. Gwen Moore, who represents Milwaukee, defended the city against Trump’s criticism.
Source: Tom Barrett/Unsplash
Johnson mentioned Trump’s presidency in his retort, while Moore highlighted the city’s vibrant and welcoming nature, contrasting it with Trump’s felony convictions.
Senator Baldwin's Response
Democratic U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin also defended Milwaukee, calling it “part of what makes Wisconsin the best state in the nation.”
Source: Getty Images
Baldwin used Trump’s comment in a fundraising plea, emphasizing the importance of Milwaukee and its positive attributes.
The Importance of Milwaukee
Milwaukee is set to host the Republican National Convention starting July 15, making Trump’s comments particularly significant.
Source: Shutterstock
The city is the largest Democratic stronghold in swing-state Wisconsin, highlighting its political importance.
Republican Convention Preparations
Local and statewide leaders, including Gov. Tony Evers, worked together to secure the convention for Milwaukee.
Source: Shutterstock
Evers responded to Trump’s comment with a post on X, “Add it to the list of things Donald Trump is wrong about,” followed by a clown emoji.
Historical Context
Milwaukee was supposed to host the 2020 Democratic National Convention, but it was moved almost entirely online due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Source: Shutterstock
This year’s Republican convention is seen as an opportunity to showcase the city on a national stage.
Trump’s Upcoming Visits to Wisconsin
Trump is scheduled to visit Racine, Wisconsin, for a campaign rally on Tuesday, just weeks before the convention.
Source: Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff/Flickr
His frequent visits to the state show its importance in the upcoming election and his campaign strategy.
Ongoing Election Integrity Debates
Trump continues to spread falsehoods about the 2020 election, particularly in Wisconsin.
Source: Tom Barrett/Unsplash
Despite investigations finding no evidence of widespread voter fraud, the debate over election integrity remains a contentious issue in the state and nationally.