Trump Hits the Road to Rescue Iowa Republicans as Polls Sink
President Donald Trump is launching a multi-state campaign blitz aimed at shoring up Republican candidates in states he won twice, including Iowa, as new polling shows his approval ratings at record lows and GOP Senate seats suddenly in play. The president's aggressive travel schedule comes with less than five weeks until Election Day and Democrats growing increasingly confident about retaking Congress.
Trump's Travel Plans Target GOP Strongholds
In the coming days, Trump plans to appear in Texas, Oklahoma, Ohio and Nebraska, with stops in Iowa, Alaska, Michigan and Florida expected in the following weeks. The president's itinerary includes a Monday rally in Grand Island, Nebraska, a conservative stronghold, rather than the more liberal Omaha area where Democrats appear poised to capture a congressional seat.
The choice of destinations signals a cold reality for the White House: Trump's presence may be more valuable in reliably red territory to energize the base than in competitive districts where swing voters might be turned off.
Iowa Senate Race Becomes a Toss-Up
Iowa, a state Trump won three times, has emerged as an unexpected battleground. The nonpartisan Cook Political Report now rates Iowa's Senate race as a toss-up, along with contests in Ohio, Texas, Alaska and three other states. Republican Senator John Kennedy of Louisiana recently groused that Kansas, Nebraska and Iowa should be fat guy layups for the GOP, yet all three are now competitive.
When Vice President JD Vance recently visited Iowa, he appeared in the state's heavily Republican 4th Congressional District rather than more competitive areas, and was notably not joined by Representative Ashley Hinson, the GOP Senate candidate. Hinson had appeared at the White House for an earlier power-plant announcement.
Poll Numbers Hit Record Lows
A poll published Thursday by the Associated Press and NORC Center for Public Affairs Research found that only 17% of Americans approve of the president's handling of the cost-of-living crisis. Just 26% back his stewardship of the economy overall, a record low for his administration.
Trump dismissed the numbers in an interview with Time magazine published Thursday, calling them fake numbers and insisting, I would beat anybody running today by 20 points. He added that his longtime pollster, John McLaughlin, told him his approval ratings are actually much higher than the numbers.
Trump Blames Messaging, Not Policy
Behind closed doors, Trump has shown frustration about his position, according to people familiar with his thinking who requested anonymity. He has acknowledged that Democratic wins could subject his administration to investigations and oversight.
Publicly, the president has blamed the GOP's predicament on poor messaging rather than policy. I'm going out because nobody's selling it, Trump said at the White House. We're doing an extremely poor job of promotion, and an extremely great job of running the country.
The president this week announced plans for a new steel mill in Iowa and a South Korea-funded liquid natural gas project in Alaska, both states with competitive Senate races.
Republicans Seek Distance From Trump
Some Republicans are looking to create distance from the president, breaking with him on issues including the war in Iran and immigration enforcement. Nebraska Democratic Party Chair Jane Kleeb said Trump's choice of Grand Island over Omaha sends the very clear signal that Republicans know that they're in trouble and the only way they think they can win is to turn out their base.
Still, Trump and his party maintain a financial advantage, with Republicans outspending Democrats in all seven toss-up Senate races.
What's at Stake for Iowa Voters
For Iowans, the coming weeks will determine control of the Senate and whether the state sends a Republican to Washington. Trump has repeatedly expressed his affection for the state, telling reporters recently, I don't know, I love Iowa. I've always been very strong with Iowa.
White House spokesman Davis Ingle said in response to questions about the president's itinerary: President Trump is the unequivocal leader, best messenger, and unmatched motivator for the Republican Party, and he is committed to maintaining Republican majorities in Congress.
Trump and Vice President Vance are expected to campaign almost every day in October, promising an uptick in the pace of campaigning as the midterm elections approach.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Trump coming to Iowa?
Trump has said he plans to campaign in Iowa, and a Republican official confirmed events are planned in the state in the coming weeks. Specific dates and locations have not yet been announced.
Why is Iowa's Senate race suddenly competitive?
Voter anger over the economy and the war in Iran has driven down Republican support nationally. The Cook Political Report now rates Iowa's Senate race as a toss-up, a shift from earlier forecasts.
How is Trump responding to his low poll numbers?
Trump has called the polls fake numbers and insisted he would beat any opponent by 20 points. He has blamed the GOP's struggles on poor messaging rather than policy.