Trump praises farmers, says he’d rather have their way of life than his own

CHIPPEWA FALLS, WISCONSIN: President Donald Trump mixed policy, humor, and personal reflection during an appearance before farmers in Wisconsin on Friday, June 5, telling the crowd that their lives were "much better" than his.

The event was intended to spotlight the administration's agricultural initiatives, but several of Trump's off-the-cuff remarks quickly became among the day's most talked-about moments.

The appearance also featured Rep. Derrick Van Orden, speed skater Jordan Stolz, Wisconsin farmer Ken Custer, and former NFL offensive lineman Joe Thomas, whom Trump introduced with one of his trademark observations.

Donald Trump says farmers have a safer and happier life than he does

While addressing the crowd, Trump praised the farming community and the lifestyle many rural families have built for themselves.

"You have a way of life that sometimes you're land-rich and cash-poor, sometimes you're — lots of different conditions — but people that are on farms love being on farms," Trump said.

The president then compared their lives with his own, suggesting he would gladly trade the pressures of public office for the peace many farmers enjoy.

"You wouldn't trade my life, you wouldn't want my life — believe me, you don't want it. Your life is much better than my life, I will tell you," he said.

Trump's comments drew attention because they offered a rare glimpse into how he views the demands and risks that come with being one of the world's most recognizable political figures.

He went on to point out that most people in the audience had been spared the kind of dangers he had faced.

"Your ear wasn't a little pierced over here. You didn't get pierced. You have a nice, safe, beautiful life," Trump told the crowd.

Donald Trump references 2024 assassination attempt during speech

The president's remark about his ear was a clear reference to the assassination attempt that occurred during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13, 2024.

During that attack, a gunman opened fire from a nearby rooftop. One bullet grazed Trump's right ear before Secret Service agents rushed him off the stage.

The incident left one rally attendee dead and two others critically wounded. The shooter, identified as Thomas Crooks, was later killed by law enforcement officers.

Although the Wisconsin event focused largely on agriculture, Trump briefly revisited the incident while explaining why he believes many Americans live far more peaceful lives than he does.

The moment stood out because it shifted the conversation from farming and policy to a deeply personal experience that remains a defining chapter of his political career.

Donald Trump jokes about keeping Jordan Stolz's Olympic medal

Another memorable moment came when American speed skater Jordan Stolz presented Trump with an Olympic medal.

The president appeared impressed by the athlete and even commented that Stolz has a leg "like a rock."

After the medal was placed around his neck, Trump immediately turned the exchange into a joke.

"I'm keeping it. I'm keeping it, Jordan. I'm not giving it back," he said.

The crowd laughed as the president continued.

"I'm a very good guy for keeping gold. I like gold. I'm never giving this back. Congratulations."

For a few moments, it appeared as though Trump intended to hold on to the medal. However, the president eventually returned it to Stolz after the lighthearted exchange.

Beyond the farming discussion and medal exchange, Trump also touched on employment figures during the event.

At one point, he claimed that the African American employment rate was the lowest it had ever been before adding, "I don't know where that stat came from."