Trump projects midterm optimism
HOUSTON — President Donald Trump projected midterm optimism in Texas on Monday, saying the “blue wave is being dissipated a little.”
Trump spoke before a massive crowd in Houston on behalf of his former foe Sen. Ted Cruz, who faces a strong challenge from Democratic Rep. Beto O’Rourke. When the two competed in the 2016 Republican presidential primary, Trump would frequently deride his rival as “Lyin’ Ted” but said in Texas that their relationship had come a long way.
“Nobody has helped
me more with your tax cut, with your regulation,” Trump said of Cruz. “He defended your jobs, he
defended your borders, and we are defending that border, by the way.”
Trump also attacked O’Rourke, dubbing him a “stone-cold phony.”
With the midterms drawing near, Trump continued to escalate his rhetoric on immigration, targeting a migrant caravan heading to the U.S. southern border. Trump called the caravan an “assault on our country” and suggested, without citing evidence, that “Democrats had something to do with it.”
“We need a wall built fast,” Trump said.
Immigration politics have become a central part of Trump’s closing message as he seeks to energize Republican voters in the midterm elections. Trump has seized on the caravan of Central Americans as evidence his immigration prescriptions are needed. Earlier Monday, he said the U.S. will begin “cutting off, or substantially reducing” aid to three Central American nations because of the caravan.
The president’s focus on immigration politics comes as he seeks to counter Democratic enthusiasm in November. But the approach offers both risks and rewards. He could energize Democratic foes as well as the Republicans he wants to rouse to the polls.
The president stressed tax cuts, the strong economy and hurricane response in the state.