Harley-Davidson's plans to expand U.S. production demonstrate that President Donald Trump's trade policies are helping bring manufacturing jobs back to America, former Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker said Sunday on Newsmax.
"Whether it's Pennsylvania or Wisconsin, jobs are coming back to America," Walker told Newsmax's "Wake Up America Weekend." "This is exactly what President Trump was talking about."
The Milwaukee-based motorcycle maker announced last week that it is returning production of its Revolution Max platform to facilities in Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, bringing machining, powertrain assembly, painting, and final vehicle assembly work back to the United States, reported ABC affiliate WISN in Wisconsin.
The move is part of Harley-Davidson's "Back to the Bricks" strategy and covers its Pan America, Sportster S, and Nightster models.
The company cited changes in U.S. trade policy under the Trump administration, as well as a shifting global trade environment, as factors that created opportunities for the investment.
Walker said the company's move reflects growing confidence among manufacturers in the administration's economic policies.
The former governor spoke from his Harley-Davidson Road King motorcycle, which he noted was made in Wisconsin.
He said Trump supports free trade but wants to ensure that foreign countries do not have an unfair advantage over American workers.
"He's all about free trade, but he wants it to be fair," Walker said. "He wants other countries not to have a competitive advantage over American workers."
Harley-Davidson said the transition is expected to be completed ahead of Model Year 2028 production in 2027. The company expects to manufacture more than 100,000 motorcycles from its York, Pennsylvania, facility that year.
The former governor said Harley-Davidson's decision to expand domestic production is evidence that manufacturers are responding to Trump's policies.
"They're saying his policies have convinced them to bring more jobs back to the United States," Walker said.
Walker pointed to comments Trump made in 2018 regarding tariffs and domestic manufacturing, saying the president has consistently sought to encourage companies to increase production in the United States.
"This is absolutely about momentum," Walker said. "The president is a global businessman. He wants free trade, but he wants to make sure American workers can compete on a level playing field."
Walker said American workers can compete with anyone globally when trade conditions are fair.
"When we do, we can outcompete anybody in the world," he said.
Bill Davidson, Harley-Davidson vice president, special advisor to the CEO and global brand ambassador, said the production shift aligns with the company's long-term strategy.
"Bringing this work back home is another important step in getting back to the bricks, investing in American manufacturing, and building on the values that have made Harley-Davidson one of the most iconic brands in the world," Davidson said.
Walker said the announcement sends a broader message to manufacturers considering future investments.
"So here in Wisconsin, as well as over in York, Pennsylvania, it's a huge win," Walker said. "Part of a continued momentum-building message to other employers, particularly manufacturers: Make it in America."
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