Trump Rally in Nebraska: President Fires Up Base, Warns of Democratic 'Burn It Down' Agenda

Former President Donald Trump brought his midterm campaign swing to Grand Island, Nebraska, on Monday, urging supporters to keep the deep-red state in the Republican column with just 29 days until the November 3 election.

“With your support, just 29 days from now, Nebraska is going to defeat the radical-left Dumb-o-crats once again,” Trump declared to a packed crowd at the Heartland Events Center.

The rally comes as Republicans face a challenging national environment. A Reuters/Ipsos poll completed Monday showed Trump's approval rating at 32%, matching the lowest of his political career. The same survey found registered voters preferring Democrats over Republicans 44% to 37% in the midterm congressional elections, with independents favoring Democrats 37% to 21%.

Nebraska Senate Race Tight Despite Trump's 2024 Landslide

Trump carried Nebraska by more than 20 percentage points in 2024, but public polling shows a competitive contest between Republican Senator Pete Ricketts and independent challenger Dan Osborn. Republicans are working to persuade voters that investment, manufacturing, and economic growth under Trump outweigh the pain of higher prices stemming from the administration's military action against Iran.

Trump's visit to Nebraska is notable. He has only visited the state about six times since 2016 and not once since 2022, according to public records. Organizers brought out hundreds of additional chairs to accommodate supporters filling the arena's rear sections.

Trump Announces Executive Order on Red-Dye Diesel

The most significant policy news of the evening was Trump's announcement of an executive order expanding access to red-dye diesel, which is exempt from some taxes but has generally been limited to off-road and agricultural uses. The move could benefit farmers and agricultural businesses across Nebraska and the Midwest.

During his remarks, Trump touched on topics ranging from Iran to Venezuela and repeated his pledge to give all adults $5,000 if Republicans win the midterms, a proposal that has drawn legal and financial scrutiny.

Trump Warns of Democratic Control of Congress

Trump painted a dark picture of America should Democrats take control of both chambers of Congress, attacking the media and criticizing former President Joe Biden, who remains a frequent target even after nearly two years out of office.

“They want to burn it down,” Trump said of the Democratic Party. “Their whole life is talking about radicalization and stupidity.”

For many attendees, the draw was the rare opportunity to see Trump in person. Nancy Rhodes, a 54-year-old stay-at-home mother who drove an hour to attend, said she didn't want to miss the chance.

“I am not sure I will ever see him in person again and didn't want to miss this. He doesn't come here often,” Rhodes said.

Rhodes acknowledged that Trump's decision to engage militarily with Iran has made things more expensive and could hurt Republicans' chances, but she said disarming Iran's nuclear program was worth the cost.

Trump's Busy Campaign Schedule Includes Iowa

Trump started his campaign swing last week with stops in Texas, Oklahoma, Alabama, and Ohio. He told reporters Monday that he plans to travel nearly every day until the midterms, including stops in Iowa and Michigan.

For Iowa voters, Trump's planned visit signals the importance of energizing the Republican base in states where conservative turnout will be critical. The president's focus on agricultural issues, including the red-dye diesel executive order, speaks directly to Iowa's farming communities.

What's at Stake for Iowa in the Midterms

Iowa Republicans are watching the national trends closely. While Iowa has trended Republican in recent cycles, the competitive races in neighboring states like Nebraska serve as a reminder that no seat is guaranteed. Trump's upcoming Iowa stop will likely emphasize similar themes: economic growth, energy independence, and the need to hold the line against progressive policies.

The president's message resonates with many Iowa voters who prioritize agricultural interests, limited government, and individual liberty. His pledge to expand red-dye diesel access could be particularly well received in a state where farming is the backbone of the economy.

As the campaign enters its final weeks, both parties are mobilizing their bases. Trump's aggressive travel schedule, including the Iowa visit, underscores the high stakes of the upcoming election.

Reporting by Jarrett Renshaw; Editing by Sergio Non, Thomas Derpinghaus, Jamie Freed, and Shri Navaratnam

This article is adapted from a Reuters news service report.