Milwaukee Gets Ready for Trump’s Visit to ‘Horrible City’

Democratic mayor wants visitors to look past candidate’s barb
Tourism bureau expects $200 million economic impact from RNC

Workers install security fencing near the Fiserv Forum ahead of the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee. Photographer: Al Drago/Bloomberg

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By Miranda Davis and Daniela Sirtori

July 12, 2024 at 1:00 PM UTC

Updated on

July 12, 2024 at 3:20 PM UTC

This article is for subscribers only.

Donald Trump hasn’t always had kind words to say about Milwaukee, reportedly calling it “a horrible city” in a meeting last month with Republicans.

But next week the former president heads to the city as the star of the Republican National Convention. Tens of thousands of party loyalists and other visitors from across the country are also making the pilgrimage to see him accept the nomination, including Make America Great Again enthusiasts who delight in bashing blue cities.