CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. — President Donald J. Trump took the stage in the Volunteer State on Friday, joined by rocker Kid Rock, delivering a speech that touted economic gains, border security, and new manufacturing investments driven by his tariff policies.
Kid Rock fired up the crowd with a blunt takedown of the media and a full-throated defense of American values. "I believe the media has become public enemy number one," he said. "When it comes to honest debate, too often we see facts twisted into half-truths, outrage, soul for clicks and views, and a liberal agenda packaged as the honest reporting. Division has become their business model, and business is booming."
He contrasted that with Trump: "This man's not a puppet. He's the first president I can recall who doesn't need a teleprompter to tell you what he thinks. He's without a doubt the toughest, most resilient president we've ever had."
Kid Rock also drew a hard line on religious freedom. "We are not, and we will never be one nation under Muhammad, because we are, and we always will be one nation under God."
Trump: Incomes, Employment at Record Highs
President Trump opened his remarks with a barrage of economic statistics he said the media refuses to report. "It was just announced that, under the Republican leadership, incomes for heart-working Americans have soared to the highest level ever recorded," he said. "More Americans are working today than at any time in the history of our country. The poverty rate on the other side has just been recorded as the lowest ever in the history of America."
He added: "African American poverty, Hispanic American poverty, and Native American poverty rates are at their lowest levels, the best levels, ever in the history of our country. The stock market has broken every record. And one of the records I love is 84 all-time record highs since the election."
Tariffs Bring Jobs, Manufacturing Back to Tennessee
Trump credited his tariff policies for a wave of new investment in the state. "Thanks to my tariffs, Korea's zinc is investing over $6 billion in creating 740 jobs right here in Montgomery County and Smith County, Tennessee," he said. "And your state will soon be home to the first new mineral smelter in the United States. First one built since 1979, a big one, beautiful one, great jobs, good high paying jobs."
He also announced that General Motors is expanding its presence. "General Motors just announced a $275 million investment in Spring Hill manufacturing facility to build the next generation of turbocharged Cadillac engines, great company. General Motors has been great by the way."
Border Secured, Memphis Task Force Delivers
Turning to border security, Trump said his administration reversed the failures of the previous administration. "We inherited the worst border in American history. We turned it into the strongest and most secure border in the history of our country by far," he said. "In the past 17 months, zero illegal aliens have been admitted into the United States of America through our southern border."
He highlighted the role of Fort Campbell's 101st Airborne Division. "We mobilized soldiers. Our soldiers are so great to the southern border. From nearby, perhaps you've heard of it, Fort Campbell, the proud home of the legendary 101st Airborne Division."
Trump also praised the Memphis Safe Task Force for taking violent criminals off the streets. "We arrested a member of the gangster disciples who killed two teenagers, a thug linked to the slaughter of a beloved high school football coach, and a vicious monster who shot two people to death, one of whom was his own mother," he said. "I want to thank every member of federal law enforcement who helped with this task force in Memphis. I want to thank the Memphis police department. I want to thank the mayor, the governor. I want to thank the Tennessee highway patrol — has been incredible."
Iran, Obamacare Fraud, and Somalia
On Iran, Trump mocked the regime's rhetoric. "They're a lunatic country. They know that. I tell them that all the time — I say, 'You guys are frickin' crazy.'"
He also addressed healthcare fraud from the previous administration. "My administration recently discovered that nearly one million families were defrauded by the last administration and overcharged for Obamacare. Democrats ripped you off and we giving all that money back to you. We just sent the victims of this Democrat fraud checks for $500 each including over 30,000 families living right here."
And he took aim at Rep. Ilhan Omar and the impact of Somali immigration on Minnesota. "These people from Somalia — what they've done to Minnesota should NEVER be allowed," he said.
The rally concluded with Trump's signature dance to the Village People's "YMCA," as the crowd cheered. The message was clear: the America First agenda is delivering for Tennessee and the nation.
