One Country Statement on President Trump’s Visit to Iowa Today

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

June 11, 2019

 CONTACT: [email protected] 

One Country Statement on President Trump's Visit to Iowa Today

He Has Nothing to Brag About

Washington, D.C. – Tessa Gould, Executive Director of the One Country Project issued the following statement after President Donald Trump’s speech during his visit to Iowa today.

“President Trump is trying to pass himself off as a rural champion with a quick photo-op and rally at an Iowa ethanol plant. But, he failed to tell the crowd that he’s been undercutting corn growers with secret handouts to big oil companies. The President’s speech was once again just a bait and switch – a thinly veiled attempt to cover up the ways he has failed Iowa farmers.”

“The President boasted about having the best economy in the world, spoke of our nation’s energy independence, and claimed he will always protect farmers, but his actions to improve the rural economy have been hollow – including his move to year-long E-15 sales. President Trump has provided “hardship” waivers to big oil, including Chevron and Exxon, allowing billions of gallons of oil to be diverted from the Renewable Fuel Standard blending requirements. These handouts to oil companies gut any positive impact of a year-round E-15 extension – lowering the demand for biofuel crops and threatening jobs in biomanufacturing.

In the face of a trade war with China closing off trusted commodity markets, the President’s budget cutting funding for important priorities in the Farm Bill, and a White House neglecting the need for improved infrastructure, rural Iowans need solutions – not more broken promises.”

“To put it bluntly, thanks for nothing Mr. President.”

### 

About One Country Project  

The One Country Project, led by former Senators Heidi Heitkamp and Joe Donnelly, is working to promote greater opportunities for rural communities and ensure leaders earn their support. One Country is reengaging with rural Americans, serving as a clearinghouse of research and information for rural Americans, and working to ensure leaders regain trust by fighting for these communities. To learn more, visit the website, OneCountryProject.org.