Trump says ‘never forget what the morons did to this country’ in warning to voters at Iowa rally

Trump claimed that other countries had emptied their prisons and allowed inmates to cross into US, insisting that stopping them was a top priority
UPDATED JAN 28, 2026
President Donald Trump takes the stage to speak during a rally at the Horizon Events Center on January 27, 2026 in Clive, Iowa (Win McNamee/Getty Images)
President Donald Trump takes the stage to speak during a rally at the Horizon Events Center on January 27, 2026 in Clive, Iowa (Win McNamee/Getty Images)

CLIVE, IOWA: President Donald Trump delivered a strong speech ahead of this year’s midterm elections. He pointed to what he called his administration’s strong economic performance. He said, “We can't forget what the group of morons did to the country,” and warned about criminals entering the country. He said stopping them was a priority for protecting America.

Trump highlighted the importance of the midterm elections and focused on open borders, claiming his policies had made the country safer. He made these remarks during the first 30 minutes of his 59-minute speech on Tuesday, January 27, at the Horizon Events Center. 

People wait to hear President Donald Trump during a rally at the Horizon Events Center on January 27, 2026 in Clive, Iowa. President Trump returns to Iowa for a second time in his second term ahead of the mid-term elections. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)
People wait to hear President Donald Trump during a rally at the Horizon Events Center on January 27, 2026 in Clive, Iowa. President Trump returns to Iowa for a second time in his second term ahead of the mid-term elections (Win McNamee/Getty Images)

Trump links border security to importance of winning midterms

Speaking at a rally in Iowa, Trump told supporters that the midterm elections are crucial for Republicans and well as for Democrats. Turning to social and border issues, POTUS outlined what he opposed and what he viewed as the administration’s biggest challenge. He argued that border security outweighed other policy concerns.

“You know, we're not going to be supporting transgender and open borders. The worst is open borders because you know, that I take care of things, and you know, inflation, I had to beat very quickly and all. But this open border thing, just a lot of work taking criminals and that they allowed into our country, where the jails are opened up.”

Trump went on to accuse other countries of releasing prisoners and allowing them to cross into the United States. He said voters should remember these actions when heading to the polls.

President Donald Trump answers questions from members of the press as he visits the Machine Shed restaurant on January 27, 2026 in Urbandale, Iowa. President Trump is scheduled to speak later at the Horizon Events Center in Clive, Iowa. He returns to Iowa for a second time in his second term ahead of the mid-term elections. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)
President Donald Trump answers questions from members of the press as he visits the Machine Shed restaurant on January 27, 2026 in Urbandale, Iowa. President Trump is scheduled to speak later at the Horizon Events Center in Clive, Iowa. He returns to Iowa for a second time in his second term ahead of the mid-term elections (Win McNamee/Getty Images)

“Remember the jails, the prisons all over from all over the world. They're opening up the Congo all over South America, Venezuela. They opened up their jails. We've got to get them out. I mean, we can never forget what that group of morons did to this country," he said. "Never forget, and that's why we've got to win. As we bring trillions of dollars pouring into our country from overseas, we're also making America affordable again.”

Trump attacks Joe Biden, highlights economy and affordability in speech

During his speech, Trump sharply criticized Joe Biden and the radical left. He said their leadership had turned the United States into a “dead country.” He attacked the Biden administration and contrasted it with what he said he inherited and later revived.

Trump also spoke about Minnesota while highlighting economic issues. He claimed grocery prices, including the cost of eggs, fell during his presidency and said those improvements are continuing. While discussing affordability and tax deductions for Americans who buy cars made in the country, he told the crowd to “remember me.”

Trump said conditions in the country are improving. He took credit for soaring stock markets and said he had “made a lot of people rich.”

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