Trump Rallies Supporters Ahead of Midterm Elections

Former president takes his State of the Union message on the road, criticizing Democrats and warning of impeachment if they regain control of Congress

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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In his first public event since the State of the Union address, former President Trump traveled to Corpus Christi, Texas, where he recounted how Democrats refused to stand up during his address when he invited them to pledge allegiance to American citizens rather than 'illegal aliens.' Trump repeatedly referred to Democrats as 'crazy' and warned that Republicans must win the upcoming midterm elections to prevent his impeachment, even as Democrats are surging in early voting in Texas.

Why it matters

Trump's visit to Texas is seen as a key effort to bolster turnout for Republican candidates in the midterm elections, where the party that holds the White House has historically suffered losses. With Democrats making gains in the state, Trump is trying to rally his base by painting the opposition party as unpatriotic and out of step with voters' concerns over the economy and cost of living.

The details

During the hourlong remarks, Trump mentioned the phrase 'stand up' 11 times and referred to Democrats as 'crazy' repeatedly. He also baselessly accused Democrats of election fraud, a tactic intended to undermine faith in the electoral process. While Trump touched on some of his policy initiatives, he did not seem overly concerned with showing empathy for people feeling economic pain, insisting he has solved the issue of 'affordability.'

  • Trump delivered the speech on Friday, February 27, 2026.

The players

Donald Trump

The former president of the United States who is trying to rally Republican voters ahead of the midterm elections.

John Thune

The Senate majority leader who warned that Democrats could flip a Senate seat long held by Republicans in Texas.

Mihaela Plesa

A Democratic Texas state representative who said the cost of living is the top concern she hears from constituents.

Dave Carney

A political strategist for Texas Governor Greg Abbott who said Trump is a 'very powerful weapon' for boosting Republican turnout.

Sheila Click

An Air Force veteran who attended Trump's speech and said she was waiting to see whom Trump endorsed in the Texas Senate primary.

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What they’re saying

“To have unity, you need sane people on the other side.”

— Donald Trump (New York Times)

“They're crazy and we got to win the midterms. You got to get out and we got to vote, and we'll keep it all going better even than it is now.”

— Donald Trump (New York Times)

“When I knock on doors in my district, the cost of living is the No. 1 concern I hear: How do I afford groceries, how do I pay my rising mortgage, my insurance keeps going up.”

— Mihaela Plesa, Democratic Texas state representative (New York Times)

“The more he can talk about what he's doing with his economic development stuff and his energy stuff and things like that is very, very helpful. He's still very powerful. He's a very powerful weapon.”

— Dave Carney, Political strategist for Texas Governor Greg Abbott (New York Times)

“The Democrats have lost their minds.”

— Sheila Click, Air Force veteran (New York Times)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.