IOWA January 27, 2026 – President Donald Trump took the stage at the Horizon Events Center in Clive, Iowa, on Tuesday, emphasizing his administration’s economic policies and tax reforms as part of a push to bolster Republican support ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. During the speech focused on the economy and energy, Trump highlighted recent tax cuts, including provisions for no tax on tips, no tax on overtime, and no tax on Social Security benefits for seniors.
In a personal touch, Trump invited two Iowans from the service industry to join him on stage to discuss how these policies would benefit them. Erika Pirtle, the general manager of Whiskey River Bar in Ankeny, Iowa, praised the no-tax-on-tips measure, stating, “Thank you, President Trump. No tax on tips is huge for everyone in the service industry. Thank you very much.” Judy Waldron, a part-time bartender from Davenport whose husband is an electrician, echoed the sentiment, saying, “I would just like to say the same thing. Thank you very much. We appreciate it.”
Trump remarked on the women’s appearance, calling them “beautiful” and noting, “I refuse to say they’re beautiful, I refuse, but they’re beautiful. Do all people look like that in Iowa?” He explained that Pirtle has hired new employees who will take home thousands more due to the policy, while Waldron’s family will save on both tips and overtime taxes to aid their retirement preparations.
The event was part of a broader Midwest outreach, including a surprise visit earlier in the day to the Machine Shed Restaurant in Urbandale, where Trump interacted with locals and discussed similar economic themes. Trump touted the economy as “booming,” with rising incomes, soaring investments, and controlled inflation under his leadership. He also expressed support for E15 ethanol legislation and championed trade deals beneficial to agriculture, aiming to appeal to Iowa’s farming community.
Outside the venue, hundreds of protesters gathered to voice opposition to the administration’s immigration policies, highlighting a divide in public sentiment during the president’s visit. Trump warned that Republican losses in the midterms could derail his agenda, urging supporters, “We gotta win.”
The rally comes as the White House ramps up its affordability and economy tour, with Trump planning visits to other states to rally support for Republicans. This event underscores the administration’s focus on economic relief measures amid ongoing debates over fiscal policy and midterm stakes.
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