Trump Vows Swift End To Iran Conflict, Urges Wisconsin Voters To Protect Narrow GOP House Majority

CHIPPEWA FALLS, Wisconsin, June 5 — U.S. President Donald Trump pledged on Friday to end the conflict with Iran quickly and said doing so would help lower fertilizer and energy costs as he campaigned in rural central Wisconsin to rally support for Republicans ahead of the midterm elections.

The stop in Chippewa Falls underscored Republican efforts to hold a narrow 217-212 majority in the U.S. House amid voter concerns about rising living costs and gasoline prices, which many residents link to administration policies and the conflict in the Middle East.

A supporter of U.S. President Donald Trump wearing a red MAGA hat uses a mobile phone with a case featuring a picture of Trump, during an event at Custer Farms in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, U.S., June 5, 2026. REUTERS/Nathan Howard

Campaigning On Economy And Rural Issues

Speaking at a roundtable at Custer Farms, Trump said progress toward a resolution with Iran could come soon and that ending the conflict would relieve price pressures on farmers. He told the crowd: "We're going to come out of Iran very quickly and it's going to be strong one way or the other. Your fertilizer prices are going to go way down, just like they were four months ago."

Supporters packed a hot, crowded farm building while heavy rain drenched those waiting in line outside. Reactions among attendees ranged from enthusiastic support to cautious skepticism about the administration's Iran policy and its economic impacts.

U.S. President Donald Trump delivers remarks next to Ken Custer and Joe Thomas during an event at Custer Farms in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, U.S., June, 5, 2026. REUTERS/Nathan Howard

Tom Paff, a data analyst from Boyd, said he is "definitely a Trump supporter" but added he was unhappy about high fuel costs and questioned U.S. involvement in the Middle East: "I don't think we belong in the Middle East at all."

Local Politics And The Midterm Stakes

Republican Representative Derrick Van Orden, the district incumbent, has aligned closely with the president and emphasized the administration's focus on rural America. His narrow 2024 victory has made the seat a top Democratic target as they aim to flip the slim House majority.

U.S. President Donald Trump stands next to Ken Custer and Joe Thomas during an event at Custer Farms in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, U.S., June, 5, 2026. REUTERS/Nathan Howard

Van Orden, standing amid farm equipment at Custer Farms, told supporters that Trump cares about farmers and challenged critics bluntly: "You can look at them straight in the eye and tell them that's a pile of manure."

Democratic challenger Rebecca Cooke, speaking from her family's farm in nearby Eau Claire, said Republicans brought Trump to the district because they view the race as tight. Cooke argued that recent policies — including tariffs, healthcare pressures and higher input costs linked to the Middle East conflict — have squeezed farmers.

U.S. President Donald Trump attends an event at Custer Farms in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, U.S., June, 5, 2026. REUTERS/Nathan Howard

Gasoline in Wisconsin averaged $4.04 per gallon this week, $1.08 higher than a year ago, according to the American Automobile Association. While Trump has downplayed the political pressure from rising energy costs, many Republican lawmakers are eager to move past the Iran conflict and refocus on pocketbook issues ahead of the midterms.

The district has seen several visits from high-profile figures over the past year, including Senator JD Vance and a recent stop by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., signaling how closely both parties are watching the race.

Reporting: Renee Hickman, Nandita Bose and Bo Erickson; Writing: Steve Holland; Editing: Sergio Non, Cynthia Osterman and David Gregorio.