Trump rallies in Kentucky, repeats attacks on Democrats ahead of midterms

The rally featured familiar rhetoric, a warning about illegal immigration, and private reports of Trump blaming aides for strategy concerns.

By Felo News Desk · Published Sun, 18 Oct 2026 03:47:48 GMT

President Donald Trump addressed a crowd in Highland Heights, Kentucky, on Saturday, delivering a roughly 90‑minute speech that reiterated attacks on Democrats and projected a strong Republican performance in the November midterm elections, according to CBS News and The Independent.

What happened

The rally took place at a venue in Highland Heights, Kentucky, on 2026-10-17. Trump denounced Democrats as “lunatics” and “communists” and warned that they would allow illegal immigration and threaten Kentucky farms and energy sectors. He asked, “Who the hell is voting for these people?” and claimed they would “annihilate your borders, decimate Kentucky farms and energies, mutilate your children and give 25 million illegal aliens the right to vote.” The speech lasted about 90 minutes and included praise for a slate of GOP congressional candidates.

What the reports add

CBS News highlighted that the rally was part of a series of 13 events in the last month as the midterms approach, noting the presence of “no kings” protests and calls for early voting against Trump’s party. The Independent added that, behind closed doors, Trump reportedly blamed his aides and political operatives for a wobbling midterm strategy, a claim sourced to Reuters. The Independent also noted that recent polls suggest Republicans could face steep losses and that Fox News projected Democrats may retake the House.

What was said

Trump said, “Who the hell is voting for these people?” and warned of the impact of Democratic policies on Kentucky’s borders, farms and energy, as reported by The Independent. He also declared, “The Republican Party is starting to look pretty good.” CBS News did not quote Trump directly but described his rhetoric and the protest atmosphere.

How it came about

The Kentucky rally follows Trump’s 32‑day midterm campaign tour that began on 2026-10-02 with stops in Texas and Oklahoma, as covered in Felo’s earlier article Trump launches 32‑day midterm campaign blitz. It also comes after a series of recent rallies, including a Montana event where he announced a Pentagon “super range” (Trump announces Pentagon ‘super range’ in Montana) and a Tennessee rally where he mocked Kamala Harris (Trump mocks Kamala Harris’ looks at Tennessee rally). The pattern of repeated attacks and controversial remarks continues across these appearances.

Key facts

President Donald Trump held a 90‑minute rally in Highland Heights, Kentucky on 2026-10-17. (independent.co.uk)
Trump warned that Democrats would allow illegal immigration and harm Kentucky farms and energy. (independent.co.uk)
CBS News reported the rally was the 13th in the last month as midterms approach. (cbsnews.com)
The Independent cited a Reuters report that Trump privately blamed aides for strategy concerns. (independent.co.uk)

Timeline

2026-10-02 — Trump begins 32‑day midterm campaign tour with rallies in Texas and Oklahoma.
2026-10-10 — Trump mocks Kamala Harris at a rally in Clarksville, Tennessee.
2026-10-14 — Trump announces Pentagon "super range" in Montana.