Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker arrived in London Monday to promote Wisconsin business overseas during a four-day trade mission.
Walker is scheduled to meet with a number of United Kingdom employers and government officials while touring several factories. He also plans to deliver a speech at the Chatham House, a prestigious British think tank for international affairs.
“The aim of the overseas trip is to attract international investors and business that will help create jobs and expand business operations in Wisconsin,” Walker said in a Monday statement.
The trip will focus on companies looking to expand in the U.S. in the next 12 to 36 months.
“This week, I look forward to meeting with business and government leaders to trout the many benefits of doing business in Wisconsin, including our strong economic climate and outstanding workforce,” Walker said in a statement.
The trade mission trip garnered criticism from the Democrats, who accused Walker of using taxpayers’ money to promote his presidential campaign.
“This trip might be a taxpayer-funded campaign to bolster his credibility on foreign policy, but the governor is still accountable for the mess he’s created in Wisconsin,” Democratic Party of Wisconsin Chair Mike Tate said in a press release Monday.
Democrats also compared the London trade mission trip to past events where Walker has used public funds as a vehicle for self-promotion, such as his 2004 Harley Davidson ride across the state.
New Jersey Gov. and Republican presidential hopeful Chris Christie also recently completed a trip to the United Kingdom, for which he drew similar criticism for promoting himself at the expense of his state.
