President Donald Trump addressed supporters in Des Moines, Iowa, emphasizing his economic achievements amid criticism over immigration policies. He described the U.S. economy as booming with rising incomes and defeated inflation, but recent data shows persistent challenges. The speech comes as Republicans defend key seats in the 2026 midterms.
President Donald Trump spoke in Des Moines, Iowa, on Tuesday, shifting focus to his economic agenda during a time of intense scrutiny over his administration's actions. The visit occurs as backlash grows against an aggressive immigration crackdown in Minnesota, including a mass deportation campaign that has drawn widespread condemnation, particularly after federal agents shot and killed two people in Minneapolis earlier this month. Trump also faces distractions from foreign policy moves, such as attacks on Venezuela and efforts to acquire Greenland, which have horrified many voters ahead of the 2026 midterms more than nine months away. Iowa Republicans are defending an open Senate seat and other positions in a state they typically hold comfortably, but this year demands more effort due to these controversies. In his speech, Trump painted an optimistic picture of the economy, stating, 'Just after one year of President Trump, our economy is booming, incomes are rising, investment is soaring, inflation has been defeated. Our border is closed. Totally closed.' However, economic indicators paint a different story: inflation has cooled but remains elevated, the job market is slowing, and public perception is negative, with Trump's economic approval rating in double-digit negative territory. Americans broadly do not feel the economy is performing well. Trump also revisited familiar attacks, including mockery of Minnesota Democratic Representative Ilhan Omar, whose town hall was disrupted when someone confronted and sprayed her with an unidentified substance; she continued her speech unharmed. Addressing Iowa's rural voters, many of whom are farmers impacted by his tariffs, Trump defended the policy as a tool to attract investment and pressure other countries on issues like pharmaceutical prices. He added a new pitch, promising to urge Congress to ease environmental restrictions on E15, a high-ethanol gasoline blend, to support agriculture. Yet, farmers continue to grapple with higher machinery costs and reduced soybean exports to China due to the tariffs. In a pre-speech interview with Fox News' Will Cain, Trump downplayed the removal of Border Patrol Commander Greg Bovino from Minneapolis, calling it 'a little bit of a change' rather than a retreat, suggesting Bovino's aggressive style may not have suited the situation. As midterms approach, the economy remains a top voter concern, but it intertwines with feelings of safety and government responsiveness. Though Trump will not be on the ballot, his low approval ratings and influence over his party could sway outcomes, highlighting how multiple issues—from Minneapolis to everyday costs like milk—shape public sentiment.
