President Donald Trump promoted his economic record and announced a major domestic investment by John Deere during a campaign-style speech Tuesday afternoon in Iowa, sharpening his pitch to voters as Republicans look ahead to the midterm elections.
Trump traveled to Clive, just outside Des Moines, where he addressed hundreds of supporters packed into the Horizon Events Center. The president centered his remarks on the economy, a cornerstone issue for his administration, and emphasized what he described as tangible results from Republican policies.
Early in the speech, Trump revealed that agricultural equipment giant John Deere plans to build a new excavator factory in North Carolina, shifting some production from Japan back to the United States. The company confirmed in a statement Tuesday that it will also construct a distribution center in Indiana to further support its U.S. manufacturing operations. Trump framed the move as evidence that his economic policies are bringing jobs and investment back home.
Speaking to Iowa’s strong agricultural base, Trump highlighted several actions his administration has taken to benefit farmers and rural communities. He pointed to the rollback of what he called “ridiculous water restrictions” imposed by the Environmental Protection Agency and touted changes to Diesel Exhaust Fluid standards that had caused equipment slowdowns when systems malfunctioned.
“I terminated the so-called Diesel Exhaust Fluid requirement, saving family farmers more than $1 billion a year,” Trump told the crowd.
The president also emphasized his decision to roll back the electric vehicle mandate, which would have required automakers to make more than half of their vehicles electric by 2032. He argued that the mandate would have hurt consumers, manufacturers, and rural Americans. Trump reiterated his support for ethanol subsidies, a key issue in Iowa and other Midwestern states.
Midway through the address, Trump invited two service industry workers onto the stage to underscore his tax agenda, particularly his campaign promise to eliminate taxes on tips. He said the policy is designed to help workers keep more of their earnings and reward people who rely on tip-based income.
“Thanks to our tax cuts, millions of Americans will soon receive record-setting tax refunds—an average of more than $1,000,” Trump said. “Think of that. $1,000 compared to last year.”
Beyond the economy, Trump briefly touched on foreign policy, health care, and immigration. He referenced his administration’s deportation efforts, which have drawn intense scrutiny following recent unrest in Minnesota after a Border Patrol agent fatally shot anti-ICE activist Alex Pretti in Minneapolis.
Addressing immigration more broadly, Trump said individuals entering the country must demonstrate respect for the United States and its laws.
“They have to show that they can love our country, not hate our country,” Trump said. “They have to show that they’re not going to blow up our shopping centers.”
The president acknowledged that his deportation agenda has faced complications amid the tensions in Minnesota but did not back away from his stance on enforcement.
Trump also took a direct jab at Democratic Rep. Ilhan Omar of Minnesota, using her as a contrast to the patriotism he said immigrants should display.
“They have to show that they can love our country. They have to be proud — not like Ilhan Omar,” Trump said.
The Iowa appearance reinforced Trump’s effort to keep the focus on economic growth, manufacturing, and tax relief while continuing to press his case on immigration and regulatory reform. With Iowa’s farm-heavy electorate in mind, the president framed his policies as delivering concrete benefits to working Americans and rural communities alike.
[READ MORE: Hannity Urges Rethink of Workplace Immigration Raids Amid Rising Tensions]
