Donald Trump told supporters at a rally in Hebron, Kentucky, that Iran's military and nuclear capabilities had been significantly degraded, claiming that their drones were down by 85 per cent and that factories were being blown up. Speaking inside a packaging plant, he offered no further details on when the 10-day-old conflict might end, suggesting it could continue: "We don't want to go back every two years. We're going to finish the job."
The president, addressing an ecstatic audience amid thunderstorms and a tornado warning, emphasised the importance of this year's midterm elections, noting that Republicans faced pressure over the economy, immigration crackdowns and the Iran conflict. He highlighted "clean, beautiful Kentucky coal" and job creation in construction and pharmaceuticals.
Supporters had waited for hours to see Trump. Chuck Wills, a 76-year-old Vietnam veteran, queued for three hours in the spring rain, saying it was worth it. He acknowledged economic difficulties, remarking that there would be "a little pain before it turns around," but backed the Iran intervention. Corina Petty, a nurse who drove two hours, said the war should continue "for as long as it takes," estimating that would be about three weeks.
The rally came ahead of Kentucky's May primary, in which Trump has endorsed Ed Gallrein against Thomas Massie, whom he called the "worst Republican congressman" in a Truth Social post. Gallrein accused Massie of working with Democrats to "destroy our nation." The Kentucky Republican party said the president's visit was partly to "lay out the work he's doing to make America affordable again," reflecting concerns over rising prices.
During the speech, Trump stopped for more than five minutes after an older woman collapsed behind him; medics, including Mehmet Oz, assisted her. Earlier, Trump visited a pharmaceutical company outside Cincinnati, where he claimed his tariff regime had brought businesses back to the US.
