Statewide Iowa — President Donald Trump says re-negotiating international trade agreements was one of his top 2016 campaign promises, and Thursday night at a rally in Des Moines, Trump touted the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement he signed this week.
Trump cited China’s agreement to buy more U.S. agricultural commodities as well as the deal he struck to replace the North American Trade Agreement.
Trump thanked Iowa farmers who’ve stuck with him as his negotiating tactics with China pushed down livestock and crop prices. He told the crowd a final, wide-ranging deal with China is imminent.
Vice President Mike Pence spoke to the crowd before Trump, suggesting Senate Republicans were poised to acquit Trump in the impeachment trial. Trump brought up impeachment in his speech, but gave it a verbal shrug and the crowd cheered.
Trump called Governor Kim Reynolds to the microphone. It was Reynolds, rather than Trump, who reminded the crowd Iowa Republicans are holding Caucuses Monday. Trump then mentioned the lobbying effort on ethanol.
Trump mentioned his announcement last June that federal rules were changed so a higher blend of ethanol — E-15 — could be sold year round in every state. He did not mention the on-going controversy over the EPA’s oil refinery waivers. The rally was held at Drake University’s Knapp Center and not all of the ticket-holders were able to enter as the fire marshal closed the arena when it reached capacity about two hours prior to Trump’s arrival on stage.
