President Donald Trump said changes to Canada's dairy pricing system are unfair to Wisconsin's farmers during a visit to Kenosha on Tuesday.
Wisconsin lawmakers and agriculture officials have been calling for federal action on Canada's new policy since Grassland Dairy Products dropped 75 Wisconsin farmers after losing sales to Canada.
Governor Scott Walker sent a letter to Trump earlier today encouraging the president to address the issue.
During his remarks at the headquarters of tool maker Snap-on Inc., Trump said he plans to start working on the issue immediately.
"It's another typical, one-sided deal against the United States and its not going to be happening for long," said Trump.
Wisconsin's Department of Agriculture, Trade Consumer Protection Secretary Ben Brancel was optimistic about Walker and Trump's talks.
"Of course, having a USDA Secretary confirmed and having a US Trade Representative confirmed would be very, very helpful. So we're waiting to see how fast those people can get in place," Brancel said.
Trump came to Wisconsin to sign an executive order to tighten the rules for technology companies seeking to bring highly skilled foreign workers to the United States.
The order targets the H-1B visa program. The White House says the program undercuts American workers by bringing in large numbers of cheaper foreign workers, which drives down U.S. wages.
The order directs U.S. agencies to propose rules to prevent immigration fraud and abuse in the program.
Agencies are also being asked to suggest changes so H-1B visas are granted to the "most-skilled or highest-paid applicants."
Trump said the order sends a "powerful signal to the world" that the U.S. will defend its workers, protect their jobs and put America first.
Outside the venue, hundreds of protesters called on Trump to release his tax returns while they waited for the Republican to arrive at the Wisconsin manufacturing company.
The protesters outside Snap-on Inc. held signs criticizing several of Trump's policies, including his plan to build a wall on the border with Mexico and his proposed travel ban that's tied up in court.
Retired high school teacher Tom Gilding was among the protesters on Tax Day. He held a sign that read, "What are you afraid of, Donald? Release your taxes," and helped hold up an inflated chicken made to resemble Trump.
Trump narrowly carried Wisconsin in November.
Trump was joined by several Wisconsin Republicans, including Gov. Scott Walker, Lt. Gov. Rebecca Kleefisch, state Assembly Speaker Rob Vos, U.S. Rep. Glenn Grothman, U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson, U.S. Rep. Sean Duffy, and more.
White House Chief of Staff Reince Priebus, of Kenosha, was also in attendance. House Speaker Paul Ryan was unable to attend because he's leading a congressional delegation on an overseas trip this week.
Editor's Note: This story was last updated at 3:23 p.m. Tuesday, April 18 with comments from President Donald Trump. It will continue to be updated.
