During a recent campaign event in Clive, Iowa, President Donald Trump took the opportunity to energize his supporters, kicking off his push for the 2026 midterm elections. Trump delivered an address in the Horizon Events Center on January 27, 2026, covering many topics but highlighting the accomplishments of his administration and outlining his policy perspective on the future.
What Trump Said in Iowa Meeting
Trump’s speech was a mix of political endorsements and personal accomplishments, aimed at solidifying his base ahead of the crucial midterm elections. He packaged the incident as the onset of a campaign to favor Republican candidates and hold on to Congress. Trump challenged the audience to vote for the GOP candidates by saying, “We must maintain Republicans in power to make America great.
Trump also bragged about the position of the U.S. economy in his comments, saying that it has experienced an incredible turnaround after he assumed office. He made the argument that his administration had overcome the highest inflation in the history of the country, which was a bold claim given the inflationary pressures over the past years.
Trump highlighted the increase of income and the creation of jobs, which he has said is as a result of his economic policies. He also cautioned that in case the Democrats came back to power in the midterms, they would reverse his economic achievements, such as tax cuts and deregulation.
Economy and Affordability at the Forefront
Trump’s message centered on the idea that the U.S. economy was thriving thanks to his leadership. He highlighted the reduction in inflation and the growth of income as key signs of his success.
“We’ve defeated inflation, and the economy is booming,” he said, adding that wages were rising faster than inflation. His statements also extended to housing where he argued that his administration had eased house purchase to Americans.
Trump in a direct appeal to the farming community, highlighted his endorsement of ethanol, which is a major problem in Iowa. He also demanded annual sales of E15 fuel, which has been delayed in Congress but is of significance to most farmers in Iowa.
Trump also repeated his promise to assist farmers by giving them financial relief, indicating that his administration had given farmers 12 billion dollars in aid to mitigate trade imbalance and excessive cost of production.
Immigration and Border Security Remain Top Priorities
As expected, immigration and border security were central themes in Trump’s speech. He again announced that the southern border was fully closed under his tenure and once again committing to enforce stringent immigration laws.
Trump added that the border is now completely sealed, and no one would enter it without the need to do so lawfully, which underlines the actions of his administration aimed at fighting illegal immigration.
Trump also responded to the current controversy regarding the enforcement of immigration policies, referencing a recent Harvard-Harris study, which revealed that there is widespread popular support for the deportation of criminal aliens.
Healthcare and Military Spending: Key Announcements
In addition to his economic and immigration points, Trump touched on two other major policy areas: healthcare and military spending. He took pride in saying that he had lowered the price of prescription drugs, and he attributed his initiative to his government to lower the prices and make healthcare affordable.
Another target of Trump was the Affordable Care Act, where he declared it the worst disaster and vowed to cut down its effects on American families.
On military issues, Trump boasted about record-high recruitment numbers and the unprecedented funding being allocated to the U.S. military. He announced that his administration was increasing military spending by $1 trillion, marking a 13.4% rise in defense funding.
Protests and Controversy at the Event
While Trump’s speech focused on his policy achievements, it was not without controversy. Outside the Horizon Events Center, thousands of protesters gathered to express their opposition to his policies.
Signs displayed “ICE OUT” and “Nazis = Trash” by many, which was indicative of the mounting displeasure with his immigration enforcement policies, particularly since the deaths of activists Alex Pretti and Renee Goode.
Within the premises, two demonstrators were marched outside the establishment, shouting release the files as Trump delivered his speech. Nevertheless, Trump did not lose his message despite the protests, telling the audience over and over again to stay united and to keep supporting the Republican Party.
Trump said at his Davos speech last week that he hoped to sign the crypto market structure bill, which is the CLARITY Act. He also critiqued Federal Reserve chair Jerome Powell and said he would soon appoint a new Fed chair.
Conclusion: Trump’s Midterm Strategy Unveiled
The Trump rally at Iowa was a significant step towards his campaign to mobilize Republican voters before the 2026 midterm elections. In his speech, he talked about the success of his administration in the economy, immigration, military, and healthcare, and also established the groundwork of a tough fought battle to hold on to the Republican party as control of the congress.