Trump criticized Harley-Davidson, but his steel tariffs had already prompted layoffs

Trump thanks Harley-Davidson for making motorcycles in America
(Image credit: Screenshot/Twitter/Today)

On Monday evening, after the Dow Jones Industrial Average closed down more than 300 points as the market digested the fallout from President Trump's growing trade wars, Trump tweeted that he was "surprised that Harley-Davidson, of all companies, would be the first to wave the white flag" by moving production of its iconic motorcycles offshore to avoid paying the European Union's retaliatory tariffs. The EU, Harley's No. 2 market, slapped tariffs on motorcycles, orange juice, bourbon, and other politically sensitive goods after Trump levied steep tariffs on imported aluminum and steel.

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Peter Weber, The Week US

Peter has worked as a news and culture writer and editor at The Week since the site's launch in 2008. He covers politics, world affairs, religion and cultural currents. His journalism career began as a copy editor at a financial newswire and has included editorial positions at The New York Times Magazine, Facts on File, and Oregon State University.