Vice President J.D. Vance traveled to La Crosse, Wis., on Thursday to promote President Trump’s signature legislative package and to press the case for expanding the administration’s crime-fighting approach to cities struggling with violence.
Speaking at a steel facility flanked by banners reading “American Jobs” and “American Steel,” Vance told the crowd that the administration’s weeks-long takeover of Washington, D.C.’s police department and public institutions had restored a sense of order. He urged residents of other cities, including Chicago and Milwaukee, to consider asking for the same federal help.
“We want you to be able to walk down a city street in broad daylight without getting mugged,” Vance said. “We want you to be able to take your family out for a nice meal wherever you want to without the fear of violence and criminals, whether they’re domestic criminals or international drug cartels.”
The vice president stressed that federal assistance was available, but only if local leaders requested it. “We would love to come and help the people of Milwaukee but the president of the United States has said he wants to be asked,” he explained. “We would love to come in and lock up those violent criminals.”
The event was part of a nationwide tour promoting Trump’s legislative centerpiece—dubbed by the president as “one big, beautiful bill”—signed into law on July 4. Vance cast the tiebreaking vote in the Senate to secure passage. He described the package as a “working families tax cut” that would eliminate taxes on overtime and tips, while also funding law enforcement operations against drug cartels and illegal immigration.
The vice president also reminded the audience of Trump’s recently imposed tariffs, which he argued protect American workers from foreign competitors. “If you build crap overseas and try to undercut the wages of American workers, you’re going to pay a big fat tariff,” Vance said, drawing cheers from the crowd.
Turning to Democrats, Vance used sharp language to criticize their policies on immigration and health care. He attacked the decision by national Democrats to extend health benefits to illegal immigrants.
Addressing high school students in attendance, he offered marriage advice laced with political humor: “Find yourself somebody who loves you as much as national Democrats love giving health care benefits to illegal immigrants.”
The event also carried political overtones for Rep. Derrick Van Orden, the Republican representing the district, whose 2026 reelection bid is rated a toss-up by the Cook Political Report.
Trump endorsed Van Orden earlier this year, and Vance singled him out for praise. “Derrick is fighting every single day for the people of this district. You should be proud of him because I certainly am,” he said. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, also in attendance, echoed the support.
The atmosphere in La Crosse underscored the movement’s grassroots energy. Dozens of attendees wore “Make America Great Again” hats and Trump shirts, snapping selfies and greeting Van Orden before Vance took the stage.
Behind the podium, an American flag and a banner reading “The Tough Job Team Mid-City Steel” framed the vice president as he laid out the administration’s vision: safer streets, stronger borders, and renewed confidence in American workers.
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