Trump midterm rally draws thousands of supporters to Oklahoma town

President Donald Trump kicked off what’s expected to be a month-long campaign blitz in Oklahoma, urging supporters at the Choctaw Event Center to vote as if he were on the ballot. Speaking to thousands in Choctaw, about 2.5 hours southeast of Oklahoma City, Trump said turnout drops when he isn’t running and argued Republicans should retain control of Congress to advance his agenda. He claimed Republicans aren’t facing Oklahoma as a battleground and referenced winning all 77 Oklahoma counties in three previous elections. Trump also promoted crime, tax, prescription drug and border policies, attacked Democrats over inflation and energy costs, and reiterated a pledge to send adults $5,000 if Republicans win both chambers. The rally also touched a proposed Inola aluminum smelter tied to a $200 billion deal with the United Arab Emirates, where residents have extended a moratorium until April.