DES MOINES— President Donald Trump made a high-profile return to the Midwest on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, delivering an expansive address in Clive, Iowa, aimed at kicking off a weekly national tour ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. Speaking to a capacity crowd at the Horizon Events Center following an earlier stop at the Machine Shed restaurant, the President sought to pivot the national conversation toward his economic agenda and energy policies. Trump proclaimed that the United States has entered its most successful era, citing a record-breaking year for manufacturing investment and a dramatic reduction in inflation fueled by his administration's "One Big Beautiful Bill" tax reforms.
The President detailed a surge in industrial growth, highlighting $18 trillion in capital commitments for domestic factories, specifically within the automotive industry and the burgeoning artificial intelligence sector. Trump credited his aggressive tariff strategy for shielding American workers from foreign competition and generating billions in revenue, which he claimed has been redirected to support the nation’s agricultural heartland. During his remarks, he praised the expansion of companies like John Deere, which recently announced new state-of-the-art facilities in Indiana and North Carolina, as proof that his "America First" policies are rebuilding the nation’s industrial base.
However, the President’s attempts to focus on affordability were frequently overshadowed by escalating tensions regarding border security and a controversial federal crackdown in neighboring Minnesota. Addressing the recent shooting of Alex Pretti by federal agents in Minneapolis, Trump adopted a noticeably softer tone than his advisors, describing the event as a "very sad situation" and calling for an "honorable and honest investigation." Despite his calls for de-escalation, he remained firm on his administration's mass deportation efforts, asserting that the removal of thousands of criminals has led to the lowest national crime rate in history and the total cessation of illegal border crossings.
In the realm of foreign policy, Trump signaled a shift in Latin American dynamics following the capture of Nicolás Maduro. He characterized the current state of Venezuela as an opportunity for "magnificent" energy cooperation but warned that Cuba is "going down for the count" after losing its Venezuelan oil lifeline. Turning back to domestic politics, Trump urged Iowa voters to secure a Republican victory in the midterms to protect recent tax cuts on tips and overtime. He concluded the rally by teasing a potential future bid for office, asking the cheering crowd, "Should we do it a fourth time?"
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