Trump links federal help for Ohio to Republican wins at midterm rally

Vandalia, United States. US President Donald Trump used an Ohio rally on Saturday to combine profane attacks on Democrats with promises of financial help if Republicans win the midterms. He warned that he would be less willing to work with the state if Democrats prevail.

Appeal to Republican voters

Trump spoke at a rally for Republican candidates, including US Senator Jon Husted and Ohio gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy.

“Just get out and vote,” Trump said. “If you do that, we’re going to win, and we’re going to win big, and we’re going to shove it up their ass.”

Multiple incumbent Republican senators across the country face difficult political conditions ahead of the November 3 elections. Trump’s popularity has fallen in recent months as prices for gasoline and other staples remain high amid the US-Israeli war with Iran.

Both Husted and Ramaswamy face competitive races against Democratic opponents. Former US Senator Sherrod Brown is challenging Husted, while Amy Acton is running against Ramaswamy.

Control of Congress at stake

Polls have suggested that Democrats could gain ground in the midterms, which will determine control of the narrowly divided House of Representatives and Senate. Trump said Republicans would perform better than critics expect.

“I think we’re going to have a big surprise because they don’t know what’s happening,” he told the crowd.

Ohio’s Senate contest is among eight US Senate races rated competitive. The state has become a campaign battleground over data centers and culture-war issues, including transgender surgeries for young people.

Federal assistance and campaign criticism

Trump repeatedly attacked Democrats during his speech, at one point calling them “dumb son of a bitches.” He argued that maintaining Republican control would give Ohio officials a direct line to his administration and make it easier for the state to secure federal assistance.

He said Ohio’s elected Republican officials frequently call him seeking money for the state, adding that he would be less inclined to accommodate Democrats if they win key races. Referring to Acton, Trump said: “But I’m not going to help her.”

Husted is counting on Trump to motivate supporters who might otherwise skip the midterms. At the rally, he also accused Brown, a veteran Democrat, of accomplishing little during his political career.

“He’s been in office for 50 years — can you name one thing that he has done for you?” Husted said.

A spokesperson for Brown’s campaign criticized Husted for backing Trump’s policy on Iran and said the senator supported “sweetheart tax deals” that attracted data centers to Ohio.