Iowa leaders Kim Reynolds and Chuck Grassley praise Trump for raising farmers’ 'morale and hope'

CLIVE, IOWA: President Donald Trump visited Iowa for the second time in less than a year on Tuesday, January 27, delivering a speech ahead of the upcoming midterm elections that focused on supporting farmers and expanding domestic fuel markets.

Iowa’s leaders and legislators responded positively to Trump’s address, which also highlighted his achievements since returning to the White House and his push for legislative action supporting continuous high-ethanol gas sales.

Trump pushes year round sales of high-ethanol gasoline

During his speech, Trump strongly advocated for the uninterrupted sale of E15 ethanol, highlighting his support for both farmers and consumers. “I promised to support E15 all year round if I get elected,” he said.

He added that work is already underway to get E15 approved, stating, “For farmers, consumers, and refiners, including small- and mid-sized refiners…they’re very close to getting it done.”

Trump positioned himself as a champion of domestic markets and American workers, saying, “After years of the United States getting ripped off by other countries on trade, I’m standing up for the workers and the farmers of our country like no other president has ever, no other president has done this.”

Iowa’s Republican leaders welcomed Trump’s remarks, with Gov Kim Reynolds posting, "Encouraging news today from POTUS that work is underway for year-round E15 and if a bill makes it to his desk he’ll sign it. E15 supports our farmers and producers while delivering affordable fuel to Americans, Iowa farmers have a friend in President Trump!'"

Sen Chuck Grassley also praised Trump, saying, “THX Pres Trump for pushing Congress to send you E15 year round for you to sign into law ASAP in your Iowa speech PTL. Pres Trump you have done so much for morale and hope for the family farmer by speaking so positively abt E15.”

Trump’s E15 ethanol plan faces Democratic and legislative pushback

However, Democrats criticized the president’s push with Iowa Democratic Party Chair Rita Hart saying, "Today as Donald Trump visits our state, we want to remind everyone that under Trump and a decade of Republican, one-party rule in Iowa, everything is getting more expensive and Iowans and our nation are worse off."

She continued, "Iowa is ranked LAST in the nation for economic growth. That’s not something that should be celebrated with a small rally, it should be cause for concern.” Trump’s remarks place pressure on Congress to resolve the E15 issue, which has historically divided Republicans.

Some lawmakers represent oil and gas interests, while others prioritize farmers, creating tension over ethanol expansion. Historically, E15 sales have been limited in the summer due to smog concerns, and some refiners have opposed expanded ethanol requirements, citing business hardships. 

Recently, the E15 issue threatened the House’s passage of a government funding bill. Lawmakers ultimately decided to establish a council to propose legislation by the end of February, but the outcome remains uncertain.

Trump expressed confidence in Congress to act quickly, saying, “I am trusting Speaker Mike Johnson, who’s great, and Senate Majority Leader John Thune, who’s great, to find a deal that works."

He further said, "Congress will be sending me a bill very shortly, supporting year-round E15 to my desk very quickly, and I will sign it without delay.” Beyond ethanol, Trump touted broader achievements, claiming he defeated inflation, secured the border, and restored respect for America in his address.