United States President Donald Trump commenced a 32-day campaign tour on Thursday, traveling from Washington, D.C., to hold back-to-back rallies in Texas and Oklahoma, aiming to bolster his Republican Party’s prospects in the November midterm elections.
The tour follows growing concerns over Trump’s low approval ratings and his administration’s handling of the Iran conflict and economic policies, which could significantly impact Republican candidates in the upcoming contests.
At his first stop in Denton, Texas, Trump addressed a crowd at the Peterbilt Motors Company, emphasizing policy achievements and dismissing criticism of his management style.
“I give us an A+ on the government, on economics, on everything,” Trump stated, framing his record as a blueprint for voters supporting Republican candidates in November.
He attributed his declining popularity to “unfair media coverage,” asserting that his campaign efforts are essential to countering negative narratives ahead of the election.
However, recent polling data reveals significant public dissatisfaction. A poll by The Associated Press and the NORC Center for Public Affairs Research indicated that 71% of Americans disapprove of the U.S. engagement in the Iran conflict, which has contributed to rising fuel prices. Additionally, only 26% of respondents approved of Trump’s economic management, with many citing concerns about affordability for food and gasoline.
Strategic Play at the Midterms
Despite facing record-low approval ratings, Trump has positioned himself as central to the Republican midterm strategy.
Earlier this month, he urged voters at a Republican convention to “pretend that I’m on the ballot,” reinforcing his influence over down-ballot candidates. During Thursday’s stops, he highlighted tariffs as job-creating policies, crediting them with boosting manufacturing employment.
“For decades, you were betrayed by politicians who let foreign trade cheaters plunder your wages and close your jobs,” Trump told supporters, vowing to continue his “America First” approach.
While his trade policies have faced legal challenges and criticism, Trump used the rallies to defend them as necessary against globalization.
Regarding the Iran conflict, Trump promised a swift resolution, claiming energy prices would “rapidly, rapidly” decline after the election. He also suggested that victory could come even before November, though Iran’s disruption of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz—a critical global fuel route—has driven diesel prices to record levels above $6 per gallon.
High Stakes for Republican Candidates
All 435 House seats and 35 Senate seats are up for election in November, creating high stakes for Republicans seeking to retain congressional majorities.
Losing control of either chamber would hinder Trump’s legislative agenda, including tax reforms and deregulation efforts.
Trump acknowledged the risks, warning that an electoral loss could lead to a third impeachment, referencing his previous two impeachments. “If we don’t win, they’ll end up impeaching me,” he said at his Oklahoma rally.
While Trump’s schedule targets traditionally Republican-leaning districts, competitive races are emerging in unexpected areas. In Texas, for example, Attorney General Ken Paxton, a Republican, faces a challenging re-election bid against Democrat James Talarico.
Trump defended Paxton, calling him “the greatest attorney general in the United States” and contrasting him with Talarico, whom he criticized as disconnected from Texas’s agricultural interests.
“He’s a vegan,” Trump said. “And vegans don’t do well in Texas.”
Emphasizing Cultural Issues
Trump leveraged the rallies to amplify social conservative issues, portraying Democrats as promoting “radical” agendas on immigration, education, and LGBTQ+ rights.
“They want women in men’s sports. They want open borders. They want transgender mutilation for your children,” Trump declared, rallying supporters against what he framed as liberal overreach.
He also praised the expansion of data centers, framing them as engines of economic growth despite public concerns over energy and water consumption.
“It’s a huge thing. It’s bigger than the industrial revolution,” Trump said, dismissing environmental critiques as part of a “scam.” He added that AI companies are “making a fortune for the communities,” while acknowledging the need for them to “take care of the people.”
Texas officials have already responded to resident concerns about data centers, with Governor Greg Abbott announcing audits and Attorney General Paxton launching an investigation into their compliance with water reporting requirements.
