United States President Donald Trump made a campaign stop in Wisconsin on Friday, aiming to shore up support among rural voters who have been significantly impacted by tariffs and the economic consequences of the US-Israeli war with Iran. The visit to Chippewa Falls for a farming roundtable comes just months before the crucial midterm elections in November.

Trump’s appearance was also intended to bolster Republican US Representative Derrick Van Orden, a close ally of the president who is facing a strong challenge from Democrat Rebecca Cook. Democrats are currently favored to gain control of the US House of Representatives, which could significantly impede Trump’s legislative agenda in the remaining years of his term.

Farmers have been particularly vulnerable to Trump's aggressive tariff policies, which have led to retaliatory import restrictions from several countries, especially impacting soybean exports. Furthermore, the tariffs have increased the cost of essential imported goods for farm operations. The administration has provided temporary aid packages to mitigate these effects.

The ongoing conflict with Iran, which began on February 28, has further exacerbated financial pressures on farmers. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has driven up the costs of key fertilizer components, such as urea. An April survey by the American Farm Bureau Federation revealed that 70 percent of US farmers reported an inability to afford all their necessary fertilizer supplies.

Adding to these challenges, the average gasoline price has reached $4.04 per gallon, an increase of $1.08 compared to the previous year, according to the American Automobile Association. These rising costs for fuel and fertilizer compound the economic strain on the agricultural sector.

During the roundtable, Trump expressed optimism about the economic situation, assuring attendees that the war with Iran was "largely finished." He pledged that fertilizer and gas prices would soon decrease significantly, aiming to alleviate the concerns of the farming community.

Trump's visit occurs at a time when his overall approval ratings have been reportedly low, hovering around or below 40 percent, with even lower figures reported on specific issues. His appeal to farmers, a key demographic in his 2024 election victory, is seen as vital for Republican efforts to maintain rural support and potentially secure key electoral districts.

Van Orden, who has consistently aligned himself with Trump and advocated for the president's leadership in rural America, faces a competitive race against Cook, who has demonstrated strong fundraising capabilities and has led Van Orden in recent polls. The outcome of this race and Trump's ability to sway rural voters in Wisconsin could have significant implications for the balance of power in Congress.