“We’re running against communists, lunatics, socialists.”
That was President Donald Trump’s pitch to voters Monday, delivered in the Oval Office when he was asked what his message would be heading into the November midterms.
Trump cast the approaching elections as a choice between his administration’s record on jobs, security and manufacturing and a Democratic Party he described in stark ideological terms.
Speaking at the event in the Oval Office which centered on a major new steel investment in Iowa, Trump pointed to job creation, border security and lower crime as issues Republicans will take to voters. He also said the war in Iran would end soon and predicted gasoline prices would fall.
The comments came as the White House announced plans by Mesabi Metallics to invest $15 billion in a new Iowa steel plant. The administration says the project is expected to begin production in 2030 and create about 1,750 permanent jobs in the state, along with thousands of construction jobs.
A $15 billion bet on American steel
The Iowa project is being developed by Mesabi Metallics, a Minnesota-based company owned by India’s Essar Group. The plant is expected to use iron ore from the company’s newly developed mine in Minnesota, creating a domestic supply chain from mining through steel production.
Asked why his administration had placed such an emphasis on domestic steel production, Trump tied the industry directly to national security.
“If we don’t make it ourselves, we can’t defend ourselves,” Trump said.
Trump said he would not want the United States to be in a position where it had to call China for steel during a national security crisis.
At the same time, he pointed to his relationship with Chinese President Xi Jinping, whom he hosted at the White House last week. Trump said he had a “great meeting with President Xi” and rated the meeting a 12 out of 10.
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick pushed back on questions about whether the steel investment depended on Iowa approving tax incentives.
“This deal is done … That’s why we’re all together with the president. The president doesn’t bring people together unless it’s a done deal,” Lutnick said.
Trump was pressed on whether Mesabi Metallics could abandon the Iowa project if political control in Washington changes after the midterms or following the end of his presidency.
“If I’m not here and somebody less friendly is going to be here, that person that’s less friendly will have no choice but to allow them to build,” Trump said.
Iran and the RAF Fairford arrests
Trump was also questioned about five men arrested in Britain near RAF Fairford, a military base used by U.S. long-range bombers. British authorities have said the men were detained on suspicion of terrorism and explosives offenses.
Asked whether the suspects could have connections to Iran, Trump replied: “Might be,” while also saying he would not have released them on bail.
Iowa’s midterm stakes
The announcement carries political significance in Iowa, where Republicans are facing competitive races ahead of the midterms. Rep. Ashley Hinson (R-Iowa) is running for the Senate seat being vacated by Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) and has recently called for a swift end to the war in Iran amid concerns over fuel prices.
Asked why Republicans appear to be struggling in Iowa, Trump rejected the premise.
“The polls are fake,” Trump said, adding that Hinson would make a great senator.
The steel announcement gives Trump a major domestic manufacturing investment to point to as he sharpens his economic and political message in the final weeks before the November elections. The White House is presenting the project as part of its broader effort to expand U.S. steel production and reduce American reliance on foreign suppliers.
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