Key facts
- Trump predicted Republicans would defy midterm election odds.
- Polls show a commanding lead for Democrat Roy Cooper over Republican Michael Whatley in the North Carolina Senate race.
- President Trump's approval rating has fallen to 31%, according to a Reuters/Ipsos survey.
- Democrats have cast more early ballots than Republicans in North Carolina by a two-to-one margin.
- Sibelco announced expansion of operations in North Carolina.
- The US Defense Department will invest $1.5 billion in semiconductor chip production in North Carolina.
President Donald Trump held a rally in Greenville, North Carolina, on Tuesday, urging voters to support Republican candidates in the upcoming midterm elections. Speaking to hundreds of supporters, Trump predicted surprising results, stating that polls often do not accurately reflect Republican support and that the party has more "spirit."
Polls indicate that Democratic Governor Roy Cooper has a significant lead over Republican Michael Whatley in the race for the Senate seat vacated by retiring Republican Thom Tillis. The election could determine the balance of power in Washington. Despite this, Trump expressed confidence in Whatley's chances.
Trump's visit to North Carolina, his second in two months, highlights the state's importance in the midterms. Democrats are aiming for a breakthrough, with polls showing dissatisfaction among Americans regarding rising prices and the war in Iran. Trump's approval rating has fallen to 31%, the lowest of his presidency, according to a Reuters/Ipsos survey. In North Carolina, Democrats have cast twice as many early ballots as Republicans.
During the rally, Trump announced new local investments, including an expansion by industrial minerals company Sibelco and a $1.5 billion investment from the US Defense Department for semiconductor chip production in the state. He also reiterated his promise to give $5,000 to every US adult if Republicans maintain control of Congress.