Trump brings midterm messaging, E15 push to Iowa
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Trump shortly after arriving at Horizon Events Center in Clive on Tuesday. Photo: Scott Morgan/Bloomberg via Getty Images
President Trump used a Tuesday stop in Clive to kick off midterm-mode messaging — leaning hard into ethanol politics with a year-round E15 endorsement and addressing ICE protests.
Why it matters: Trump warned that midterm losses could erase his signature policies while wins could lock in long-term changes and define his place in history.
Elections
State of play: U.S. Rep. Zach Nunn (R-Ankeny), who spoke before Trump at Horizon Events Center, warned that Republicans could lose the House majority — and that Democrats would move to impeach Trump if they retake control.
- Trump echoed the theme, repeatedly urging Iowans to "win the midterms," calling the visit the start of that campaign and tying control of the House and Senate to protecting tax cuts and other priorities.
What we're saying: "If we lose the midterms, you'll lose so many of the things that we're talking about, so many of the assets that we're talking about, so many of the tax cuts that we're talking about, and it would lead to very bad things," Trump told the crowd.
The other side: Iowa Democratic Party officials held a press conference before Trump's arrival, saying his visit was intended to distract from his "disastrous agenda."
E15 gets the spotlight
Driving the news: Trump endorsed year-round sales of high-ethanol E15, a fuel blend that contains 15% ethanol — saying a bill would reach his desk and pledging to sign it quickly.
Catch up quick: E15 sales have historically been limited to summer because of concerns about smog.
- Gov. Kim Reynolds and trade groups, such as the Iowa Corn Growers Association, have lobbied to have the restrictions lifted for economic benefits or as a solution for "energy independence."
The intrigue: The issue threatened to derail the House's passage of a government funding bill just last week, The Hill reports.
Protest optics collide with Minneapolis unrest
Outside the event, hundreds of protesters called for ICE to leave Minnesota, citing the recent fatal shooting of ICU nurse Alex Pretti by federal agents.
Yes, but: Trump brushed off demonstrators as "paid agitators."
The bottom line: Trump's Iowa visit tried to keep the focus on his administration's wins, but the protests and the Minneapolis situation diverted the conversation.
What we're watching: How competitive Iowa races become and whether swing voters adopt Trump's midterm framing.