Former President Donald Trump held a campaign rally Tuesday at a Mack Trucks assembly plant in Lower Macungie Township, Pennsylvania, speaking to supporters about his economic and foreign policy agenda. He was joined on the trip by his press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, who returned to public duties less than two months after the birth of her daughter.
Trump's address at the Volvo Group-owned facility focused on re-industrialization and job creation, aiming to connect with working-class voters in the Rust Belt. He touted his administration's trade policies, claiming he had reduced the trade deficit with China by 67% within his first year in office and asserting that the U.S. is currently building more factories, including automotive and AI facilities, than at any other point in history. He highlighted specific investments in Pennsylvania, mentioning Eli Lilly's $3.5 billion manufacturing facility in the Lehigh Valley expected to create over 1,000 jobs, U.S. Steel's expansion, and Nokia's $30 million investment to expand semiconductor testing.
During the event, Trump discussed his foreign policy, claiming his administration's pressure campaign had brought Iran to its knees and that a "historic peace agreement" had been reached to end conflict in the Strait of Hormuz. He stated that Iran agreed to forgo nuclear weapons and that its military and nuclear capabilities were dismantled. According to Trump, Iran's economy has been "crushed," leading to a decrease in oil prices to $70 a barrel.
He also emphasized energy production, advocating for his "drill, baby, drill" policy and stating the U.S. is the leading producer of oil and gas globally. Trump referred to coal as "clean, beautiful coal" and praised the rescue of local coal facilities.
The rally featured several guests, including Marine Corps veteran Patrick McHugh Jr., who spoke about the impact of previous administration fuel emission standards and electric vehicle mandates on the Mack Trucks factory. Trump also introduced Penn State wrestling icons and UFC stars Bo Nickal and Anthony Cassar. Representative Dan Meuser was also present at the event.
Karoline Leavitt, who was previously seen taking to the podium at 39 weeks pregnant, made her first media appearance on Fox News the day prior to the rally. Her daughter, Vivi, was born on May 1, shortly after an attempted assassination of Trump at the White House Correspondents' Dinner in April.
