INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – President Donald Trump was in Indianapolis Saturday to speak at the 91st annual FFA Convention. Air Force One arrived in at Indianapolis International Airport at around 2:05 p.m.
He came on stage just before 3:15 p.m. at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. He spoke in front of thousands of FFA members. Most in the crowd were not old enough to vote but they did not hesitate to show their support.
President Trump’s speech in front of farmers and their families came during a tug of war between Washington and Beijing. His new tariffs on Chinese products went into effect in September. He called it a “trade dispute” with China but told the crowd the United States would win.
“After decades of economic abuse, we are finally fighting back as a country.” he said. “We are not going to take it anymore.”
Kent Mathis attended the conference with his daughter. They traveled from Arkansas and Mathis said he was raised on cattle farms. He said the tariffs on Chinese goods did slow down production but he was not too concerned.
“In everything, there is a give and take process and so in the long run it will be beneficial,” said Mathis.
President Trump tried to reassure the audience he was doing what is best for farming and agriculture. He listed what he feels he’s done to earn support, like replacing trade deals, opening new markets and cutting taxes.
“Before I took office, our incredible farmers were being crushed by an onslaught of massive taxes, crippling regulations, burdensome federal mandates and unfair one sided trade deals but those days are over,” President Trump said.
Families at the convention were confident in the president and felt his decisions are helping business. They said they supported him because he is putting America first.
“Instead of giving other countries money, he’s trying to make more money for us,” said Joshua Cronin, FFA member.
There was a small group of protesters who stood outside Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Some said they believe President Trump is dividing the country. Those sentiments came after authorities intercepted a series of bombs sent to public figures this week.
President Trump spent the first 20 minutes of his speech at the FFA convention to talk about the mass shooting at a Pittsburgh synagogue. He even invited a rabbi and pastor onto the stage to lead the crowd in prayer.
“We must all rise above the hate, move past our divisions and embrace our common destiny as Americans. And that doesn’t mean we can’t fight hard and be strong and say whats on our mind but we have to always remember those elements, the elements of love, dignity and respect. As we hold Pennsylvania and the great people of Pennsylvania close in our hearts and prayers,” said President Trump.
After the president’s speech, he headed out to a campaign event in Illinois.
