President Donald Trump used a Saturday rally in southwest Ohio to predict a stronger-than-expected Republican showing in the Nov. 3 midterm elections and to suggest he would be less inclined to help the state if Democrats win key races. The speech was laced with crude language and personal attacks on Democrats.
Speaking in a high school gymnasium, Trump told the crowd that Republican control in Washington and in Columbus would give Ohio officials a direct channel to his administration when they seek federal money. He said Republican officials in the state often phone him asking for funds, and that he would be less accommodating toward Democrats. He singled out Democratic gubernatorial candidate Amy Acton, saying he would not assist her.
The rally was held for Senator Jon Husted, who faces Democrat Sherrod Brown in one of the most expensive Senate contests in the country, and for Vivek Ramaswamy, the Republican candidate for governor. Outside groups have spent tens of millions of dollars on the Ohio Senate race, according to federal election filings. Ohio is one of eight Senate races rated competitive.
Trump dismissed polls suggesting Democrats could make gains and said Republicans would pull off a surprise. He urged voters to turn out even if they dislike Husted or Ramaswamy, and asked supporters to behave as though he were on the ballot himself. He cast the election as a referendum on his agenda, warned that a Democratic win would bring an economic collapse comparable to 1929, and repeated his promise of a $5,000 payment to adults if Republicans hold Congress.
Trump also defended expanding data-centre capacity as a way to strengthen the economy and keep the United States ahead of China, a position that drew a subdued response from the crowd. Rallygoers have been divided on the issue of data centres in the state. Later in the speech he returned to immigration themes.
Trump won more than 55% of the Ohio vote in the 2024 presidential election, but his approval ratings have since fallen amid economic concerns.
