On Wednesday evening, President Trump will give a campaign-style speech to supporters in Iowa. But before we get into the substance of what Trump is likely to say, it’s important to note why Trump likes rallies: rallies comfort him.
As we learned during the 2016 campaign, Trump thrives off the energy of his most loyal fans. An entertainer at heart, Trump’s utopia is center stage of an arena filled with thousands of screaming supporters. Their commitment rejuvenates Trump. More than that, it vindicates him.
After five difficult months in Washington, however, the crowds have never been more important. Correspondingly, as he did in February, Trump will likely invite a supporter up onto the stage. The Secret Service hate this, but if Trump demands it, there’s nothing they can do.
But context aside, who will Trump attack?
First up, the media.
In recent days, the showdown between Trump and the press has heated up. On the media side, reporters such as CNN’s Jim Acosta are furiously criticizing the White House’s secrecy. Trump may have something to say about that. Still, Tuesday’s Republican congressional victories will probably motivate Trump’s biggest attack lines. Trump believes the media overplayed the Democratic campaigns, and knowing that the news networks will be tuning in, he’ll want to hit them. If nothing else, Trump loves baiting the media in front of his fans.
There’s little doubt that Trump will also attack the Russia investigations. Believing these investigations are unwarranted, Trump cannot resist furious expressions to that effect. The president’s problem, as many of his advisors have pointed out, is that this running commentary makes the situation worse. The judiciary is expressly designed to resist pressure from the executive branch. His anger simply fuels the fire.
While I greatly appreciate the efforts of President Xi & China to help with North Korea, it has not worked out. At least I know China tried!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 20, 2017
Finally, I believe Trump will, with words, attack North Korea. Trump seemed genuinely angered by Monday’s passing of Otto Warmbier, the American who was brutalized in North Korean custody. And Trump ratcheted up the pressure on Tuesday when he tweeted the following.
This is deadly serious stuff. The crisis with North Korea is growing more serious by the day. But when Trump talks about North Korea he doesn’t seem to realize he has two audiences: Americans and North Korean leaders. And those North Koreans pay a great deal of attention to Trump’s words. Even if in jest, his remarks have the potential to spark an escalation on the Korean peninsula. As I’ve explained, that is no one’s interest. Hopefully, Trump will keep his words tough but measured.
Of course, anything is possible come Wednesday night. Surrounded by fervent supporters, Trump’s reflex is to give them what they want. And they want the president to come out swinging.
