Speaking before thousands of supporters, the president outlines midterm ambitions, foreign policy developments, and domestic priorities while highlighting ceasefire diplomacy and party strategy
PHOENIX—President Donald Trump on April 17 predicted a Republican sweep in November’s midterm elections and pledged to advance his “America First” agenda, speaking to chants of “USA! USA!” during a rally in Phoenix.
“Together, we’re making America great again, and this November, we’re going to win the midterms. We’re going to win—we’re going to win like never before,” Trump said as the keynote speaker.
Organized by Turning Point USA (TPUSA), the event drew more than 3,000 supporters to Dream City Church in Phoenix, aiming to build momentum and expand voter rolls ahead of the 2026 midterms.
The group’s “Build the Red Wall” strategy focuses on securing Republican majorities in Congress by targeting key battleground states, including Arizona, Nevada, and New Hampshire.
Trump paid tribute to Charlie Kirk, TPUSA’s late founder, calling him a friend and supporter, and credited the organization with helping secure his 2024 reelection victory.
“In 2024, Turning Points Grassroots Army helped us win Arizona in an absolute landslide. We won all seven swing states. We won the electoral college. We won the popular vote by millions of votes,” he said.
Kirk was killed on Sept. 10, 2025, while speaking at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. His widow, Erika Kirk, has since taken over as CEO of TPUSA.
“His voice is not silenced, it’s roaring back louder than ever before,” Trump said. “His message is unstoppable. His movement is unforgettable.”
Erika Kirk also addressed the crowd, alongside Andy Biggs, a Republican candidate for Arizona governor, and Representatives Eli Crane, Abe Hamadeh, Paul Gosar, and Juan Ciscomani.
Trump framed the upcoming midterms as a choice between continuing his policies or returning to what he described as failed Democratic leadership.
“Democrats want to drag America down, destroy our country, put it into crime, poverty, and squalor—really, the squalor of a third world nation,” he said.
“Republicans want to build America into a nation with no rivals in human history to make your family safer and wealthier than ever before. We’re making your family safe. We’re making you safe.”
The president highlighted key elements of his second-term agenda, including strengthening the southern border, deporting violent criminal illegal immigrants, cutting taxes for working Americans, and eliminating programs related to transgender surgeries and diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Trump also pointed to foreign policy developments, stating that his administration secured negotiations with Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz following nearly two months of conflict and a U.S. naval blockade.
“Iran has just announced that the Strait of Hormuz is fully open and ready for business. And the naval blockade with the greatest navy in the world from the greatest military the world has ever seen,” he said.
He added that the blockade would remain in place until a final agreement is reached.
“We will remain in full force and effect as it pertains to Iran until such time as our transaction with Iran is 100 percent complete and fully signed,” Trump said.
Trump further stated that Iran has agreed to transfer what he described as “nuclear dust,” referring to material remaining after U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities.
“The U.S.A. will get all Nuclear ‘Dust,’ created by our great B-2 bombers — no money will exchange hands in any way, shape, or form,” he wrote in a social media post, later repeating the claim during the rally.
He also said Iran, with U.S. assistance, has removed or is removing sea mines and reiterated that Iran “will never have a nuclear weapon.”
Trump suggested that NATO allies had not provided sufficient support during the conflict, describing a recent offer of assistance as delayed.
“I received a call from NATO asking if we would like some help. I told them I would have liked your help two months ago, but now I really don’t want your help anymore,” he said, adding that the United States did not require their assistance.
He emphasized that the agreement with Iran involves no financial exchange and is separate from developments in Lebanon, where a ceasefire with Israel is in effect.
Trump said the United States would continue coordinating with Lebanon regarding Hezbollah, the Iran-backed group designated as a terrorist organization.
“We will make Lebanon great again. Hopefully, the situation with Hezbollah will get straightened out quickly,” he said.
Describing himself as a “peace president,” Trump said he has helped end eight conflicts, adding that including Iran and Lebanon would bring the total to 10.
“We are not ashamed of American might. And we do not hesitate to defend the American people,” he said.
Attendees told The Epoch Times that the president’s remarks resonated with them.
Calan Philips, 18, from Cave Creek, Arizona, said he was interested in Trump’s perspective on Iran and welcomed the opportunity to see him in person.
Starting in December, the Selective Service System will automatically register eligible men ages 18–25 for the draft under the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act, replacing the current self-registration system.
Philips said he supports the change.
“If the country needs me, then the country needs me,” he said.
Margaret Branson, visiting from Ireland, said attending the rally offered a different perspective than watching on television.
“But when you’re here in real life, you really get to see that he’s not talking off the script,” she said.
Diane Robinson of Sun City, Arizona, said she believes the president’s visit will strengthen Republican prospects in the state’s midterm elections.
“We forget what he’s done. We need to sit back and be thankful,” she said.
Outside the venue, protesters opposed to Trump’s visit demonstrated with signs and slogans, while police monitored the situation nearby.
