US President Donald Trump made a series of sensational statements during a campaign rally in Vandalia, Ohio — he described himself as a man with «one of the highest IQs in the world», promised adult Americans $5 thousand each should the Republicans win the mid-term elections, and warned of an economic crisis on the scale of 1929 should the Democrats succeed. He also called for the death penalty for certain serious crimes and launched a scathing attack on his political opponents. The rally took place on 3 October in support of Republican candidates John Gasted and Vivek Ramaswamy.
- Trump claimed that he has one of the highest IQs in the world.
- He has once again promised $5 thousand to every adult American should the Republicans win.
- Should the Democrats win, the president predicts an economic crisis similar to that of 1929.
- Trump has spoken out in favour of the death penalty for major drug traffickers and human traffickers.
- The statements were made at a Republican rally in Ohio on the eve of the mid-term elections.
Trump claimed to have «one of the highest IQs in the world»
During his speech, the US President made a point of highlighting his own intellectual abilities.
«I am a person of very high intelligence, with one of the highest IQ scores in the world,» Trump said.
He also said that he knew «more about everything» than anyone else present, and perhaps anyone in the world. Trump has made similar statements before, but There is no publicly confirmed result of a standardised IQ test for the US President. Therefore, the claim that it has one of the highest rates in the world is its own assessment, rather than an established fact.
$5 thousand each if the Republicans win
Trump also reiterated one of his key economic promises Ahead of the mid-term elections: if the Republican Party retains control of the House of Representatives and the Senate, every adult US citizen will reportedly receive $5 thousand.
The President describes the idea as Trump Dividend. He first announced it in September and reaffirmed his promise on 3 October. According to preliminary estimates, such a programme could cost more than $1 trillion. There is as yet no specific legislative mechanism, source of full funding or payment schedule; congressional approval will be required to implement such a plan.
Trump contrasted this promise with a possible Democratic victory. According to him, in such a scenario, the US could allegedly face an economic depression similar to the crisis In 1929. This is the President’s political forecast, not an independent economic assessment.
He launched a scathing attack on the Democrats
The rally in Ohio was marked by harsh rhetoric directed at the Democratic Party. Trump made derogatory remarks about the Democrats and urged his supporters to mobilise as much as possible ahead of the vote.
The President also stated that he would be less inclined to assist the state government if key posts were filled by Democrats. In particular, when speaking about the Democratic candidate Amy Acton for the post of Governor of Ohio, Trump stated that he had no intention of supporting her.
The rally was part of Trump’s large-scale election campaign tour in the run-up to the vote 3 November, on which control of both houses of Congress will depend. Ohio has become one of the key states this year due to the closely contested Senate campaign.
Trump has once again spoken out in favour of the death penalty
A separate section of the speech dealt with crime. Trump stated that the Republicans would push for the introduction of death penalty for major drug traffickers, human traffickers and people who have killed a police officer or other law enforcement officer.
Trump has made similar proposals in the past, particularly with regard to major drug traffickers and human traffickers. However, the President’s statement alone does not alter federal criminal law: legislative action is required to expand the list of offences punishable by death, and the application of the death penalty is also restricted by the US Constitution and case law.
Wants to impose legal restrictions on future presidents regarding the border
Trump also stated his intention to enshrine stricter rules on the US southern border in law. According to him, the forthcoming legislation should prevent future administrations from repealing the restrictions he has put in place and from significantly weakening immigration controls once again.
At the same time, there is no publicly confirmed law that has been passed with the title «On the prohibition of invasion of our territory» There is none at present. This is therefore a political proposal by Trump, rather than a regulation that is already in force.
Ohio has become one of the main battlegrounds
Trump travelled to Vandalia to show his support for the Republican senator John Gasted, who is locked in a close contest with the Democrat Sherrod Brown, as well as the candidate for governor Viveka Ramaswami.
Although Trump won Ohio in the 2024 presidential election with a result of over 55%, the Republicans are facing a much more challenging situation this year. Reuters describes the state’s Senate race as one of eight competitive contests across the country. High prices have been a further factor: the average cost of petrol in Ohio has risen by approximately 35% over the past year — to $4.16 per gallon.
The AP also notes that a few days before Trump’s arrival, around 1,400 employees lost their jobs at a lorry factory near Springfield, which further intensified the economic debate in the run-up to the election.
