Former President Donald Trump visited Ohio on Saturday evening, articulating a vision for a new "golden age" in America. He underscored significant investments and job creation within the Buckeye State, imploring voters to ensure Republican victories in the upcoming November elections.
Addressing supporters near Dayton, marking his third such event in as many evenings, Trump campaigned for Republican Senator Jon Husted and gubernatorial hopeful Vivek Ramaswamy. He framed the midterm elections as an opportunity to build upon the economic and political advancements he attributed to Republican leadership.
Acknowledging his own absence from the ballot, Trump offered a direct directive to the assembled voters.
"Just pretend that I’m running," Trump stated. "When I run, we win."
Trump, who secured victories in Ohio during his prior presidential campaigns, reiterated this sentiment as he endeavored to galvanize his political base in support of Republicans striving to retain control of Congress.
"If you don’t mind, please pretend that I’m on the ballot," he urged. "And you need to turn out for a midterm victory."
Emphasizing Economic Progress
Much of the rally focused on presenting an economic argument for the Republican slate of candidates. Trump asserted that Ohio was "booming" and lauded various investments, which he credited to his administration's trade and tariff policies.
He highlighted specific projects, including a $400 million investment by Stellantis in Toledo and an $850 million Electra aerospace investment situated close to Springfield. Additionally, while sharing an anecdote about his daily aspirin regimen, Trump drew attention to Bayer's proposed $2.2 billion pharmaceutical manufacturing facility near Columbus, a project the company anticipates will generate roughly 600 permanent positions and 1,500 construction jobs.
Addressing the assembled audience, Trump declared,
"Your state is booming. Every state is booming."
Trump attributed these investments to his tariff agenda. He contended that the United States was at last establishing a fair competitive environment, following years where other nations imposed tariffs on American goods, thereby providing a strong impetus for companies to establish manufacturing operations domestically.
The former president also voiced his endorsement for Senator Husted's Ratepayer Protection Act, a legislative initiative designed to safeguard consumers from increased electricity expenses linked to data centers.
"We want them," Trump remarked concerning data centers. "There’s so much money to be made for Ohio. You can’t just turn them off. They’ll go to China."Husted had introduced this legislation to the Senate floor days prior to the rally, but it did not progress. Trump committed to enacting the bill into law should Congress successfully send it to him.
"I will sign this Ratepayer Protection Act into law immediately," he affirmed.
National Outlook and Policy Proposals
Expanding his discussion beyond Ohio, Trump extended his assessment to the entire nation. He praised record highs in the stock market, growth in manufacturing, increased investment, and robust employment figures. He juxtaposed these achievements, which he linked to his previous administration's economic record, with that of former President Joe Biden.
"Our nation is doing better now than ever before," Trump declared.
He further commended tax provisions supported by the Republican Party, such as the elimination of taxes on tips and overtime pay. Trump also restated his earlier proposal to provide $5,000 payments to adult American citizens, contingent on Republicans maintaining control of both the House and Senate.
Immigration and Other Topics
The discussion then transitioned to immigration, specifically addressing Springfield, Ohio. Trump dedicated his recitation of the poem "The Snake" to the city, which had become a focal point during the 2024 presidential campaign due to an influx of Haitian nationals.
"I dedicate this to Springfield, Ohio," Trump stated. "They went through hell."Following the poem, which he has frequently cited as an allegory for immigration, Trump informed the audience,
"That’s what happened at our border,"subsequently commending his administration's stringent immigration enforcement measures.
Trump also briefly addressed Venezuela, asserting that the United States had more than recovered the expenses incurred from its military operations against former Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, utilizing the country's extensive oil reserves.
"We paid for the cost of the war many, many times over," Trump claimed. "We’re making a fortune with it."
Throughout his address, Trump consistently referenced the upcoming elections, urging Ohio residents to cast their votes for Husted, Ramaswamy, and other Republican candidates for Congress. He also proposed Ohio as a prospective location for the U.S. National Space Academy, noting the state's rich aviation heritage and its connection to the Wright brothers.
"If we win the midterms, Ohio will be very, very strongly considered for this," Trump promised. "I really want you to go out and vote again for John Husted and for Vivek."
