President Donald Trump held a campaign rally in Clarksville, Tennessee, on October 10 to support Republican candidates in the upcoming midterm elections. The event at F&M Bank Arena drew thousands of attendees, including supporters who navigated remnants of Hurricane Isaias to participate. Early in-person voting in Tennessee is scheduled to begin on October 14.
Trump addressed key races in the state, including the gubernatorial contest between Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and Democrat Jerri Green, the U.S. Senate race between Republican incumbent Sen. Bill Hagerty and Democrat Marquita Bradshaw, and multiple U.S. House races. He expressed confidence in Republican victories, stating, “I don’t actually have to be in Tennessee because Bill Hagerty’s going to win. Marsha is going to win.”
During the rally, Trump also made several off-script remarks, including joking about renaming the Strait of Hormuz the “Trump Strait” and suggesting the Atlantic or Pacific Ocean could be called the “Trump Ocean.” He touted his administration’s economic policies, including manufacturing investments and crime reduction efforts in Tennessee. On foreign policy, Trump referred to Iranian leaders as “crazy” and claimed U.S. military operations had softened Tehran’s rhetoric.
Musician Kid Rock opened the event with a speech that included religious themes and criticism of the news media. He argued for religious freedom, stating, “We are, and we always will be, one nation under God.” Trump later thanked Kid Rock by his given name, Bob, before continuing his remarks.
The president framed the midterms as a referendum on his administration’s achievements, asserting that the U.S. economy had thrived under his leadership. He warned that a Democratic victory could lead to economic decline, stating, “If the Democrats win, you will have a 1929-style economic depression.” Trump also emphasized the importance of voter turnout, urging supporters to “pretend that I’m running and go out” to vote, as early voting approaches.
The Cook Political Report had previously ranked several Tennessee races, including the governor’s race, the Senate race, and three congressional districts, as “Solid Republican” wins. Trump’s campaign blitz, which includes 32 days of rallies, aims to counter the historical trend of the president’s party losing seats in midterm elections.