On Friday, former President Donald Trump delivered a speech to thousands of attendees at an arena in the western part of Iowa, marking his largest campaign event in the state in nearly four months.

During his appearance in Council Bluffs, Trump took aim at his main GOP competitor, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, for his opposition to the federal mandate for ethanol, a renewable fuel additive in which Iowa is a leading producer.

“I’m proud to be the most pro-farmer president that you’ve ever had,” Trump declared, emphasizing his administration’s agricultural record and highlighting his efforts in reducing regulations on farmers.

He also mentioned his strong support for Iowa ethanol, claiming to have fought for it like no other president in history, the Associated Press has reported.

After the event, Trump planned to make a stop at a local Dairy Queen to interact with workers and customers.

As Iowa holds a crucial position as the leadoff GOP caucus state, several Republican presidential candidates, including DeSantis, former Vice President Mike Pence, former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley, and U.S. Senator Tim Scott of South Carolina, have spent considerable time campaigning there.

In June, they attended Senator Joni Ernst’s annual “Roast and Ride” fundraiser, which marked the beginning of a busy summer campaign season.

Written by staff