The New York Times reports:
Gary Rathbun rumbled into South Dakota to attend the United States’ pre-eminent gathering of motorcycle enthusiasts atop his Harley-Davidson, a 2009 Ultra Classic that brought him 800 miles from Idaho. It is the 40th Harley he has owned. It will also likely be his last.
Like many of Harley’s most loyal customers, Mr. Rathbun was enraged by the company’s announcement this summer that, because of the Trump administration’s trade fight, it would begin manufacturing the bikes it sells in Europe outside the United States.
His anger echoed that of President Trump, whose public denouncement of Harley’s decision has put one of the country’s most iconic brands in the uncomfortable position of clashing with a president who is immensely popular with most of its customers.
STURGIS, S.D. —The founder of Bikers for Trump is mobilizing opposition to Harley-Davidson for making bikes abroad. But he’s selling Trump T-shirts made in Haiti, because American shirts are too expensive. https://t.co/hbIMyeSxCS pic.twitter.com/WKbJ9rqdwh
— Alan Rappeport (@arappeport) August 11, 2018
Hundreds of Bikers for Trump just joined me at Bedminster. Quite a scene – great people who truly love our Country!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 11, 2018
“I’m riding my last Harley.” https://t.co/64TxUaVsDk
— Raw Story (@RawStory) August 11, 2018
Bikers for Trump lined up inside the gate at Trump National Bedminster. In half an hour they’ll be meeting President Trump. Photo thanks to pooler @elysepg ? ?? pic.twitter.com/Ls9LljIdtx
— Meridith McGraw (@meridithmcgraw) August 11, 2018
Bikers for Trump holding at Bedminster ahead of event with POTUS. pic.twitter.com/c5efKw1tEH
— Eli Stokols (@EliStokols) August 11, 2018