Harley-Davidson Cancels Presidential Visit Due to Protest Concerns Then Denies Visit Was Ever Even Planned
According to various sources, President Trump was scheduled to sign more executive orders today at Harley-Davidson headquarters in Milwaukee. However, the visit was apparently canceled at the behest of the Motor Company due to concerns of social blowback by crowds of protesters. According to a post on the Milwaukee Independent website, the Milwaukee Coalition Against Trump (MCAT), is the organization taking credit for influencing Harley-Davidson’s decision to cancel the visit.
The Milwaukee Indepent quoted a person from the MCAT saying, “Today, Milwaukee let the world know that Trump is not welcome here. The Milwaukee Coalition Against Trump is thrilled that Trump has been forced to cancel his visit to Milwaukee, one of his first press events outside of Washington D.C.”
CNN reported that the visit was not public knowledge, but in advance of the event the White House had people in Milwaukee preparing for the President’s arrival. A statement issued by Harley-Davidson last night denies any planned visit by the President saying they “don’t have, nor did we have, a scheduled visit from the President this week at any of our facilities.”
Most likely this is a bid by H-D to remain politically neutral and not upset Harley-Davidson owners regardless of political affiliation.
This is actually the second instance in these early days of 2017 that a major motorcycle manufacturer has been dragged into American politics. A few weeks ago Reuters reported that Kawasaki was canceling any ties to The New Celebrity Apprentice due to continued involvement of President Trump. Kawasaki spokesperson Kevin Allen was quoted in the report saying, “Once we understood the concerns of American citizens, we have taken the approach of agreeing not to participate in the show in the future as long as Mister Trump is involved as an executive producer.”
Just hours later Kawasaki backpedaled the earlier statement in an attempt to avoid upsetting Kawasaki owners who support Trump. While they were at it, Kawasaki then proceeded to tell the world that the spokesperson who was quoted in the Reuters interview had since left their employ. That’s some truly ugly stuff in light of how reserved Japanese corporations tend to be when making public statements about corporate departures.
A former Motorcycle.com staffer who has gone on to greener pastures, Tom Roderick still can't get the motorcycle bug out of his system. And honestly, we still miss having him around. Tom is now a regular freelance writer and tester for Motorcycle.com when his schedule allows, and his experience, riding ability, writing talent, and quick wit are still a joy to have – even if we don't get to experience it as much as we used to.
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Harley Davidson has historically stood with people of courage. Now they are trying to kiss PC Ass and be politically correct. I for one am both offended and have lost much respect for the motor company. I had always seen them as a company run by people with a set of balls but perhaps that is changing and maybe they are now being taken over by PC Bureaucrats instead of real men. I believe Willie G. is puking as we speak; this is not the company his grandfather help found
Gave up Harley along time ago, too expensive (for what you get), low performance, and I don't dress like a pirate (or one of the Village People). If this is true shame on them!