Daijiworld Media Network – Washington
Washington, Jul 29: US President Donald Trump has urged Republican voters to retain control of Congress in the upcoming midterm elections, warning that their political opponents had "literally" become communists.
Speaking during a virtual tele-rally for Congressman Andy Ogles ahead of the Republican primary in Tennessee's Fifth Congressional District, Trump described the midterms as a crucial ideological battle.
"We gotta win the midterms... Keep the communists out," Trump said, without identifying any specific candidates or organisations.
Highlighting tax measures passed with Republican support, Trump said provisions covering income from tips, overtime pay and Social Security would strengthen the party's prospects in the elections.
"Those are things that alone should give us a tremendous victory in the midterms," he said.
Trump praised Ogles for backing his administration's policies on border security, energy, defence and elections, describing him as a dependable ally who had supported key legislative initiatives.
He said Ogles had voted in favour of stricter border enforcement and the tax legislation Trump has referred to as the "Great Big, Beautiful Bill." The President also credited him with supporting tax-deductible interest on loans for vehicles manufactured in the United States.
Election security featured prominently in Trump's address, with the President reiterating his support for the SAVE America Act and calling for proof of citizenship and voter identification to cast ballots.
The rally also touched on issues including gun rights, immigration enforcement, transgender healthcare for children and participation in women's sports. Trump said Ogles strongly supported the Second Amendment and backed Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Border Patrol personnel.
Urging voters to participate in the August 6 Republican primary, Trump reiterated his endorsement of Ogles, saying, "Get out and vote for Andy Ogles. He has my complete and total endorsement."
Ogles has represented Tennessee's Fifth Congressional District in the US House of Representatives since 2023 after previously serving as mayor of Maury County. The district covers several counties in Middle Tennessee and parts of the Nashville metropolitan area.
The US midterm elections, held midway through a president's four-year term, determine all 435 seats in the House of Representatives, around one-third of the 100-member Senate, and several state and local offices.