TRUMP ANNOUNCES $15BN STEEL PLANT FOR EASTERN IOWA

Donald Trump announced a $15 billion steel plant to be built in eastern Iowa, calling it the largest steel plant in American history. He made the announcement in the Oval Office on Monday, flanked by senior Iowa Republicans. The plant will be built by Mesabi Metallics, a steelmaker backed by an Indian conglomerate, according to a White House official. Trump said the facility would use "advanced steelmaking technology" to produce high-quality, affordable steel. He said construction had already begun, though the White House said production is not expected to start until 2030.

The announcement comes ahead of November's elections, which could help decide control of the US Senate. Trump highlighted Iowa congresswoman Ashley Hinson, who is running for the Senate seat being vacated by fellow Republican Joni Ernst, telling her he had seen "good polls" suggesting she was "doing well." A Marist survey published last week found Hinson trailing Democrat Josh Turek by eight points. An earlier Emerson College poll had put Hinson narrowly ahead, though it also found voters concerned about tariffs. Democrats regard the seat as one of four they need to win to retake the Senate.

Trump said the plant would run on iron ore from a mine in Minnesota owned by the same company, which he said had accounted for roughly 60% of US iron ore production during the 20th century. He used the figure to criticise Minnesota's Democratic governor, Tim Walz, calling him "one of the worst governors in history" and "a real stupid guy," while praising the state's ore reserves. The project gives Republicans a jobs-focused message to campaign on in Iowa ahead of the midterm elections. Production at the plant is expected to begin in 2030, several years after voters cast ballots in November.