President Donald Trump promised Americans USD5,000 each if Republicans retain control of both chambers of Congress in November, while using a lengthy speech at the party’s first-ever midterm convention to defend the US war in Iran, attack Democrats and urge voters to treat him as if he were personally on the ballot.
Speaking for nearly two hours at the Republican midterm convention in Dallas, Texas, Trump sought to energize his conservative base as his party faces difficult political headwinds. He strongly defended the war with Iran, predicted a US victory and linked the end of the conflict to lower oil prices.
“Food prices and almost every other item are rapidly going down. And by the way, oil will be going down as soon as we win the war with Iran, which is taking place right now,” Trump told the crowd.
He also suggested that the strategically important Strait of Hormuz should be renamed after him.
At another point, Trump appeared to acknowledge the economic consequences of the war. Recalling his decision to launch the conflict, he said the US economy had been doing well before telling his economic advisers, “I hate to do this to you.” He said he believed Iran was “two, maybe three weeks away from having a nuclear weapon,” and portrayed military action as necessary to prevent that outcome.
