(NewsNation) — President Donald Trump spoke to House Republicans Tuesday, saying it has been a successful presidency and that Republicans will break records in the midterm elections.
Trump warned that if Republicans do not win the midterms, Democrats will find a reason to impeach him.
“They are mean and smart,” Trump says of Democrats, but added they have bad policy.
The president expressed condolences for R ep. Doug LaMalfa, R-Calif., who died suddenly at the age of 65. He also expressed sympathies for Rep. Jim Baird, R-Ind., and his wife, who are recovering from a car accident.
Trump praised Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., who has been faced with the challenge of wrangling a GOP majority with a narrow margin. He said Johnson has his complete and total endorsement. He also praised other leaders, including Reps. Steve Scalise, R-La., Tom Emmer, R-Minn., and Lisa McClain, R-Minn.
Trump told Republicans that health care was going to be their issue, along with IVF. He urged lawmakers to give money directly to people, not to health insurance companies. Trump also told lawmakers they were fighting the media, reiterating his belief that coverage of him is unfair.
The president criticized President Joe Biden and the news, mocking Biden for his lack of speech-making and calling reporters fake news and accusing the media of not covering him fairly.
Trump touted the recent strike on Venezuela, calling it a complex and amazing military feat with many boots on the ground.
He also praised the military and the quality of weapons produced by U.S. defense contractors, but complained about the time it takes to produce planes and helicopters.
Trump also touted his tariffs, again saying the U.S. is getting rich off tariffs. He then moved back to Biden, talking about the autopen, a common refrain in his speeches, along with a desire to require an ID to vote, accusing people who object to ID on any grounds of being corrupt and cheating elections. There has been no evidence of widespread voter fraud in elections.
He also addressed the idea of running for another term.
“Is there a little something out there that I’m not allowed to run?” Trump said.
Trump touched on other familiar topics, including the border, his use of the National Guard and his health. He stated that all presidents and vice presidents take cognitive tests and suggested his opponents wouldn’t pass. The president also addressed his previous impeachment, calling the phone call that led to the impeachment “perfect.”
He also addressed efforts to lower drug prices, saying the Republicans should win the election just for that.
Trump’s approval rating got a boost from the recent strike on Venezuela, reaching 42%, the highest since October, with partisan divides on the issue. The results found 65% of Republicans supported the operation, along with 23% of independents and 11% of Democrats.