President Trump speaks in North Fayette Twp., offers support for Saccone

NORTH FAYETTE TOWNSHIP, Pa. — President Donald Trump arrived in Western Pennsylvania on Thursday for the first time since his election.

An invited crowd greeted him with cheers on the tarmac at the 171 Air Refueling Wing just after 2 p.m.

First Lady Melania Trump did not make the trip, but the crowd was excited to see Ivanka Trump. She exited the plane after her father, who spent about 20 minutes shaking hands with supporters before leaving in a motorcade.

“He said my hat looked really warm and I told him we loved him,” said Laura Schisler.

After touring H&K Equipment in North Fayette Township, Trump addressed hundreds of workers and supporters in a warehouse belonging to the equipment rental company.

“I've come to the great city of Pittsburgh to stand with people, and those people are incredible workers and to show the world that America is back,” he said.

He spoke about how recently enacted tax cuts have benefited the company of 200 employees.

“I just learned from the powers that be that H&K Equipment will soon be making a $2.7 million capital investment thanks to the new tax cuts. I appreciate that and the workers appreciate that,” he said. “That means more growth and, ultimately, it means more jobs, so congratulations.”

Among the employees in attendance was Ken Wilson, who Trump says will see a savings of more than $2,000 from the income tax cuts.

“It's a sight to see, it’s something to always remember here,” Wilson said from the podium. “So thanks, everybody, and thank you, Mr. Trump.”

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The CEO of H&K said the tax reform plan will allow the company to reinvest in more equipment.

“It's a game-changer for the amount of equipment we’ll buy in a year’s time,” George Koch said. “More jobs. You buy more equipment, you buy more jobs.”

The president’s visit was also intended to show support for Republican candidate Rick Saccone, who is facing off in a March special election with Conor Lamb for the 18th congressional district seat vacated by Tim Murphy in October.

"People are hearing more and more about a real friend and a spectacular man, Rick Saccone," Trumps said.

Earlier in the day, Trump tweeted his support for Saccone.

"That was a surprise, but I think we've all learned we are not sure what the president does on Twitter day to day," said Saccone's campaign manager Pat Geho.

Some Democrats believe that the Republicans may be vulnerable in this district, but Channel 11 political analyst Bill Green believes it's an uphill battle for Democrats.

"This has been a district that's been Republican since 1868, so it will take a lot for Conor Lamb to get over that legacy," Green said.

Trump departed on Air Force One at about 4 p.m., less than two hours after it touched down. But political observers tell Channel 11 that Vice President Mike Pence will visit the area to support Saccone's campaign, and they wouldn't be surprised if Trump returned to do the same.

Cox Media Group