Milwaukee, WI

Takeaways from Donald Trump’s campaign stops in Wisconsin’s liberal bastions

Published

2 years ago

October 1, 2024

Takeaways from Donald Trump’s campaign stops in Wisconsin’s liberal bastions

Just over a month before Election Day, former President Donald Trump made stops Tuesday in Wisconsin’s two Democratic strongholds — Dane County and Milwaukee.

The events come after top state Republicans, including former Gov. Tommy Thompson, urged the Trump campaign to include those communities in its efforts to win this critical swing state in November.

Despite their deep blue politics, the state’s two largest population centers are also home to a lot of Republicans due to their sheer size.

A Journal Sentinel analysis, for instance, found that there are more GOP voters in the city of Milwaukee than in any other community in Wisconsin, though they differ in a number of ways from Republicans in other parts of the state.

Second gentleman Doug Emhoff also campaigned in Milwaukee Tuesday.

The events come just three days after Trump visited Prairie du Chien where he spent much of his time criticizing Vice President Kamala Harris over immigration policy.

More: Live updates: After Dane County speech, Trump’s Milwaukee event is closed to public. Emhoff speaks at Milwaukee manufacturer.

The campaigns of Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Harris along with their surrogates have been holding seemingly nonstop events across Wisconsin in an effort to win voters in this critical swing state on Nov. 5.

Here are takeaways from Trump’s visit to Waunakee and Milwaukee on Tuesday:

Trump’s Waunakee speech was billed as economic address, focused more on other issues

Trump spoke for about an hour and 15 minutes in Waunakee, wrapping up his speech at 3:20 p.m.

His campaign previewed the speech as one that would critique the current Democratic administration’s economic policy, and he opened by announcing, “This is a speech on economics and bringing back business and things.”

But he spoke for more than 30 minutes before touching on economic issues — aside from a brief tangent during which he said he wouldn’t trust Harris or Democratic President Joe Biden “to run a lemonade stand.”

The bulk of his speech, before he turned to economic topics, was spent referencing escalating tensions in the Middle East, falsely characterizing Harris’ replacement of Biden as the Democratic presidential nominee a “coup,” and criticizing the current administration’s immigration policy and violent crime.

“These people are grossly incompetent, and now we have them in charge of potentially World War III,” he said of Biden and Harris. “If I win, we will have peace in the world again. … If Kamala … gets four more years the world goes up in smoke.”

Trump argued that, while the economy is an important issue, “the hardest thing we have to do is solve the crime problem.”

Immigration comments follow a similar theme at Prairie du Chien rally

Trump spoke Saturday in Prairie du Chien, a city of about 5,500 people along the Mississippi River, where he delivered what he described as a “dark” speech referencing a case in which Prairie du Chien police say a man with ties to Tren De Aragua, a Venezuela-based transnational criminal organization, sexually assaulted a woman and attacked her daughter earlier this month

Police have said the victim and suspect knew each other, which is common in sexual assault cases, and that they have not come into contact with other members of the gang. According to the criminal complaint, the suspect and victim had been living together and dating for three weeks.

He referenced that case again on Tuesday.

Economic remarks focus on inflation, tax policy, energy

A Marquette University Law School poll released last month showed that the economy was the top issue for Wisconsin voters, with 41% ranking it as their first priority. The same poll found that to be true among 42% of independent voters.

Addressing a crowd of about 500 (with a reported 4,500 supporters outside the facility) at Dane Manufacturing, Trump pledged to cut taxes on American manufacturers to 15%, “but only if you make the product here.” Otherwise, he said, “we’re going to use the power of the tariff.”

He also pledged, if elected, to bring energy prices in the U.S. down by 50% within a year of taking office, declaring the country has “liquid gold” by way of “more oil and gas under our feet than anybody else.”

Other themes include ‘Full Metal Jacket,’ ‘foul language,’ Brittney Griner

Trump’s disjointed remarks bounced from topic to topic separate from an economic message.

Trump repeated criticism of a prisoner swap involving WNBA star Brittney Griner and arms dealer Viktor Bout. Bout, the so-called “merchant of death,” was exchanged in a 2022 prisoner swap for Griner, who had spent nearly a year in Russian captivity.

He again effectively accused Griner of not being patriotic enough, saying she “tied her shoes” during the national anthem. Griner played for Team USA in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics, winning gold both times. Then, at the 2024 Paris Olympics, as Griner stood on the medal stand with her third gold medal draped around her neck, tears streamed down her face as she stood for the national anthem.

Last year, Bout urged Trump to seek refuge in Russia, saying he believed his life was “in peril.”

The former president also spent time arguing the 1987 film “Full Metal Jacket” should have received Academy Awards. That tangent weaved its way into an aside noting that Rev. Franklin Graham prefers Trump tell his stories without “foul language.”

“He’s wrong about that. It’s not as good,” he said.

Trump’s visit to Milwaukee’s Discovery World follows visit by VP Kamala Harris earlier in election cycle

Trump’s visit to Discovery World follows one by Harris in May, before President Joe Biden dropped out of the race and she ascended to the top of the Democratic ticket.

In that visit, Harris also focused on the economy as part of an “economic opportunity tour.”

But, unlike Trump, she argued that the Biden-Harris Administration’s economic policies have helped Americans and, in particular, addressed disparities that affect Black Americans and business owners.

State Republicans praise Trump for campaigning in blue areas

Former Wisconsin Gov. Tommy Thompson was the most prominent voice encouraging Trump to campaign in Madison and Milwaukee, considering it one of the four keys to winning Wisconsin as a Republican. Trump praised Thompson as “the dean” while speaking in Waunakee.

“You have to go where the votes are. You have to go where the opposition is. You have to come into Dane County, Milwaukee County and southwestern Wisconsin,” Thompson said. “Dane County has the third-most Republican votes in the state of Wisconsin, and all we have to do is increase them.”

“Democrats,” he said, “get the hell out of our way.”

At a panel discussion before Trump spoke in Milwaukee, Republican U.S. Rep. Bryan Steil thanked the former president for “campaigning in two of the most blue areas of our state.”

“We as conservatives, we as Republicans, we as supporters of President Trump, know that we have the answers to the challenges that our country faces, that our communities face. In particular, blue cities across the country, and the challenges that they face,” Steil said.

Evers says Wisconsin families will reject Trump in November

In a statement released Tuesday morning, Democratic Gov. Tony Evers said, “I know Wisconsin families, and they’re going to reject (Trump) again in November.”

“As president, Donald Trump was a disaster for Wisconsin, and we haven’t forgotten. A second term would be a heck of a lot worse — Trump’s extreme Project 2025 agenda would hurt working families, cut Social Security and Medicare, dismantle support for public education across the country and more,” Evers said. “Vice President Harris is the only candidate in this race fighting to lower costs, cut taxes and invest in Wisconsin’s future.”

Emhoff also focused his Tuesday visit on the economy, addressing about 100 people at Diamond Discs International, a small manufacturing business in Milwaukee. He also met with minority small business owners.

This story will be updated.

Jessie Opoien can be reached at jessie.opoien@jrn.com. Alison Dirr can be reached at adirr@jrn.com. Mary Spicuzza can be reached at mary.spicuzza@jrn.com. Hope Karnopp can be reached at hkarnopp@gannett.com.

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Milwaukee, WI

Game Discussion: Milwaukee Brewers (54-32) @ Arizona Diamondbacks (43-43)

Published

9 hours ago

July 4, 2026

Press Room

Game Discussion: Milwaukee Brewers (54-32) @ Arizona Diamondbacks (43-43)

Brewers have a chance to win their second series in a row and their first of July this evening in Arizona as they get set to take the season series against the Diamondbacks.

After a late night yesterday with over eight innings thrown by the Brewers bullpen, they’ll lean on Brandon Woodruff to provide them with rest. Woodruff will be making his third start on the mound since returning from the injured list and his ninth overall on the season. Since returning, Woodruff has thrown 11 2/3 innings, giving up just two hits, no runs, and has struck out 16. That brings his season total to a 2.59 ERA with 41 strikeouts.

Tonight’s start will be Woodruff’s ninth against the Diamondbacks in his career. Most recently, he was sent to the injured list after he completed 1 1/3 innings at the end of April. Overall, he has been up-and-down throughout the course of his career against the Diamondbacks, posting a 4.65 ERA with 51 strikeouts.

For the Diamondbacks, Merrill Kelly will be handed the ball to make his 15th start of the season. He’s been in the midst of his worst season up to this point in his career as he enters tonight with a 5.84 ERA, having allowed 18 home runs, 33 walks, and only striking out 33. He finished the month of June with a 7.31 ERA, as in his last start, he allowed five runs to the Tampa Bay Rays.

Lifetime against the Brewers, Kelly has been successful, posting a 3.41 ERA in 11 games. However, in his last outing against the Brewers in April, he gave up five runs on six hits and five walks.

Though no lineups have been announced yet, much of both of these lineups have faced both teams’ starting pitcher. For the Brewers, Sal Frelick and Brice Turang have witnessed the most success against Kelly, as they hope to replicate what they did in Milwaukee back in April.

You’ll be able to listen to tonight’s game on the Brewers Radio Network on WTMJ 620 while being able to watch it on Brewers.TV. First pitch will be another late one as it’s slated for 8:40 p.m.

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Milwaukee, WI

Today’s Summerfest schedule and picks: Saturday, July 4

Published

19 hours ago

July 4, 2026

Press Room

Today’s Summerfest schedule and picks: Saturday, July 4

Every morning throughout Summerfest 2026, we’ll deliver a guide that covers the day’s entertainment and how you can get in the gate free of charge. This is where you’ll find info about the AmFam Amp headliners, eclectic picks from our knowledgeable staff and the music lineup for the day (see the full 2026 Summerfest lineup here).

Today at the AmFam Amp

Jelly Roll w/Tyler Hubbard, Three 6 Mafia, 7 p.m.

If you’re not familiar with the Jelly Roll Cinematic Universe, this must look like the weirdest lineup at the amphitheater during Summerfest 2026. You’ve got Mr. Roll himself at the top, with his swirl of country and rap that broke through in 2023 to the tune of two platinum-selling albums: Whitsitt Chapel and Beautifully Broken. Then there’s Tyler Hubbard, a comparatively straight-ahead country artist who’s found success solo and as a member of Florida Georgia Line.

Which brings us to Three 6 Mafia, the influential Memphis hip-hop group whose deep catalog of crunk and other rap subgenres left a huge mark on countless artists, including Jelly Roll. The Amp’s headliner has said Three 6 Mafia is one of the reasons he started rapping in the first place, and he’s collaborated with DJ Paul while appearing live with the group’s members frequently over the years. No doubt they’ll share the big stage tonight at some point.

Radio Milwaukee staff pick #1

Known Moons @ T-Mobile Stage, 2:30 p.m.

This reco is a “six degrees” situation that started back when I was in some mediocre (read: shitty) pop-punk bands that played with a group called Pleasant Street. Guitarist Nick Woods was part of that band and went on to other projects like Direct Hit!, which made the best punk albums of the mid-2010s. His Pleasant Street bandmate Danny Walkowiak is, in my opinion, among the best drummers in this or any generation. He’s now part of Milwaukee alt/dream-pop band Known Moons, another very good product of our city’s music scene. Go see them today.

— Jay Burseth

Radio Milwaukee staff pick #2

Soul Asylum @ Generac Power Stage, 5:30 p.m.

It was almost exactly a year ago that Soul Asylum’s Dave Pirner and Ryan Smith stopped by our HQ for a Studio Milwaukee Session and, in the process, reconfirmed my belief in the power of pioneering alternative bands.

Soul Asylum might have been the first one I hooked onto after reaching the age when I was musically mature enough to make responsible album-purchasing decisions, and those songs from Grave Dancers Union and Let Your Dim Light Shine still rattle around in my brain. Pirner and Smith were wonderful to watch last summer in our space, and it’ll be great to catch them again on the Big Gig’s final day.

— Brett Krzykowski

Radio Milwaukee staff pick #3

VALÉ & Gego Y Nony @ Aurora Pavilion, 3:15 p.m.

Barranquilla lands in Milwaukee with a lot of pop, R&B in a language I know all too well: Spanglish.

VALÉ, the 23-year-old Colombian artist now based in Los Angeles, has been busy releasing singles and EPs since 2021, building a collection of music that gets audiences dancing. This artist introduces moments of reggaeton within an electrifying pop beat, all while weaving between her native Spanish and English as she speaks on the pressures of love and family.

Headlining her first tour in November, this is a great chance to see VALÉ as she continues to rise in the world of Latin alternative. She also happens to be a great match for the duo following her on stage at the Aurora Pavilion: homegrown reggaetoneros Gego Y Nony.

Hailing from a family of percussionists, these brothers keep Puerto Rico and Milwaukee close to their heart as they sing, rap and compose their own music while leaning into the “new wave” of reggaeton, influenced by artists like R.K.M and Ken-Y. What makes this concert all the more exciting is the fact they’re from Milwaukee, which continues to be a place where artists’ unique styles, DIY spirit and community-centered focus shine. Expect love tracks (all clean — a plus for families), dancing and plenty of positive vibes.

— Paula Lovo

How to get in free today

Freedom on the Fourth Food Drive presented by Harley-Davidson

From noon to 3 p.m., the first 5,000 patrons who donate three nonperishable food items will receive one free admission ticket, valid for the day and time of the promotion only. All food will be collected at the Mid Gate entrance. Canned fruits and vegetables are especially appreciated. All donations benefit Hunger Task Force.

Summerfest schedule for Saturday, July 4

American Family Insurance Amphitheater

American Family Insurance House

4 p.m. — The Temper Trap
2 p.m. — Soul Asylum

BMO Pavilion

10 p.m. — Sam Barber
7:15 p.m. — Preston Cooper
5:30 p.m. — Palmer Anthony

Miller Lite Oasis

10:30 p.m. — Kerry King
8:30 p.m. — Sunami
6:45 p.m. — Drown the Lifeguard
5 p.m. — SIIN
3:15 p.m. — The Maiden Voyage
1:45 p.m. — Flatwounds
12:15 p.m. — Horizon

T-Mobile Stage

10:15 p.m — The Temper Trap
8:15 p.m. — Joywave
6:15 p.m. — Pure Hex
4:15 p.m. — Carolina Liar
2:30 p.m. — Known Moons
12:45 p.m. — The Last Bees

Generac Power Stage

10 p.m. — BoDeans
7:30 p.m. — The Jayhawks
5:30 p.m. — Soul Asylum
3 p.m. — Nicole Lawrence
1:30 p.m. — Ur Mom
12:15 p.m. — Oh Geeez, Not Again

Uline Warehouse

10 p.m. — Straight No Chaser
7:30 p.m. — Mindi Abair
5:30 p.m. — Jerry Harrison
3:30 p.m. — Poi Dog Pondering
2 p.m. — Porcupine
12:30 p.m. — Blaze Francisco

Briggs & Stratton Big Backyard

10 p.m. — Jonah Kagen
8 p.m. — John Vincent III
6 p.m. — KT Tunstall
4 p.m. — Elephonic
2:30 p.m. — Louie & The Flashbombs
1 p.m. — BERMS.

Aurora Pavilion

9 p.m. — Sad Boy Saturday
7 p.m. — Baha Men
5:45 p.m. — Tag Team
4:30 p.m. — Gego y Nony
3:15 p.m. — Valé
2 p.m. — Krusher (Rockonsin winner)
12:45 p.m. — Candy Cigarette (Rockonsin runner-up)

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Milwaukee, WI

Bucks waive Pete Nance

Published

1 day ago

July 3, 2026

Press Room

With the Bucks having 17 rostered players, cuts were going to have to happen at some point, and Pete Nance is the first casualty. Nance was always the most obvious player to cut because of his non-guaranteed $2.5m contract, which would have become guaranteed if they kept him past Saturday. Also, Milwaukee acquired a fair few guys who play his position via the Giannis trade (Ware, Jaquez, Ament). I should mention that this technically does not proclude the Bucks from signing the big man to another deal, but it feels unlikely, given the aforementioned lack of spots.

This is something of a kick in the guts for many fans, including myself, who really thought Milwaukee had found a diamond in the rough with Nance. The number of times we would remark on Deer Diaries about how he was “always in the right spots” and “did all the little things” was… pretty large! After coming to the Bucks late in the 2024-25 season, Nance had a breakout 2025-26 campaign (although his numbers certainly don’t jump off the page), averaging 5.4 PPG and 2.7 RPG on 51.5% from the field and 42.0% from three. Assuming it isn’t with the Bucks, let’s hope he lands somewhere that gives him a real shot.

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