President Trump carried his feud with Harley-Davidson into a third day, suggesting on Wednesday that the motorcycle giant’s reputation — and business — could suffer as a result of its decision to shift some of its production abroad.
“Harley-Davidson should stay 100% in America, with the people that got you your success,” Trump tweeted. “I’ve done so much for you, and then this. Other companies are coming back where they belong! We won’t forget, and neither will your customers or your now very HAPPY competitors!”
{mosads}
The tweet was Trump’s latest in what has become a days-long effort to pressure Harley-Davidson to halt its plan to build some of its bikes abroad in response to new tariffs from Europe.
The Wisconsin-based company announced the move on Monday, asserting that shifting some production overseas is necessary to avoid stiff retaliatory tariffs from the European Union.
Those tariffs came as a result of Trump’s decision to impose steep duties on steel and aluminum imports from Europe and elsewhere last month.
Trump has dismissed the notion that his tariffs are to blame for Harley-Davidson’s decision and has accused the company of using the duties as a false pretense for moving production out of the U.S.
The company already produces some parts and bikes overseas, including in India and Thailand, where they would otherwise face high tariffs.