President Donald Trump attended a roundtable event in Chippewa Falls June 5 to highlight his administration's support for Wisconsin agriculture. The event, held at Custer Farms, marked Trump's first visit to Wisconsin since beginning his second term.
While the event was promoted as a discussion about farmers and rural America, much of the attention focused on broader political issues. During the hour he spoke, Trump discussed the economy, future elections and his political opponents. He only spent around 15 minutes of his time directly addressing agricultural policy.
Trump opened the event by praising Wisconsin farmers.
“We love the farmers. We love everything about your state,” Trump said.
Trump also pointed out what he described as “falling costs”.
“Your fertilizer’s down, your energy’s down, your oil, your gas is all coming way down. And frankly, I thought it would go much higher than it did,” Trump said.
Gas prices across the country have hit record highs since the war in Iran broke in February 2026. In early May, gas prices in Wisconsin averaged $4.378 per gallon, which is $1.448 more than a year ago.
Trump reminded attendees that his presence was not just for show, but to simply show his dedication to Wisconsin agriculture.
“I don’t need this, I got elected, what the hell do I have to be here for?” Trump said. “I could be home right now in the beautiful White House, enjoying watching somebody else on television talking.”
He then warned supporters about potential consequences in future election outcomes, particularly if Democrats took the presidency in 2028 or congressional majority this November.
“By the way, if [Democrats] win, this country is finished,” Trump said. “We’re in trouble. So I hate to say that you have no choice, but I don’t think you have much of a choice.”
The focus on issues beyond agriculture was not limited to Trump’s remarks. During the Air Force One arrival at the Chippewa Valley Regional Airport, protesters gathered outside to voice opposition to the administration in general.
Robert Gounly, a retired Wisconsin resident, said he was not protesting agricultural policy at all.
"I'm afraid I'm not protesting agricultural policies today. I'm a retiree and I have never worked on a farm. So I'm just using this as an opportunity to say my feelings," Gounly told The Daily Cardinal.
Gounly said his feelings stemmed from what he calls a growing culture of hostility in American politics.
"I'm saying America is better than this. I think this administration has created an environment where it's correct to hate, it's correct to put out angry messages to people you don't like, and that disgusts me," he said.
Other protesters, like scientist Crispin Pierce, still kept agriculture at the forefront of their mission. Pierce told the Cardinal that Wisconsin deserves an administration that addresses both economic and environmental concerns.
“These are people who live the life of farmers and understand. They need support that both recognizes the need to help farmers in this country, but also looks at the sustainability of farms and talks about proper attention," Pierce said.
Pierce argued that the administration's message Friday did not match the needs of Wisconsin farmers.
"I think it's an embarrassment to the people in this area to come in and try to promote an agenda that hurts farmers," he said.
