Trump Praises Iowa Candidate’s Weight Loss at Rally: ‘She Was a Little Bit Heavier’

**Trump Rallies Support for Hinson in Iowa Ahead of Midterm Elections**

In a high-profile rally held on November 1, 2026, at the Five Flags Civic Center in Dubuque, Iowa, former President Donald Trump thrust his support behind Republican Senate candidate Ashley Hinson as the midterm elections loom. The event was a crucial occasion for Hinson, who is vying for a Senate seat against Democratic contender Josh Turek.

Trump, 80, took to the stage to energise his supporters and emphasised Hinson’s credentials as a candidate. He remarked, “I’ve known Ashley for a long time. She’s gonna be outstanding, outstanding in Washington,” highlighting his confidence in her capabilities.

The rally occurred just days before the pivotal elections, making the atmosphere charged with urgency. Hinson, 43, a congresswoman since 2020, is aiming to expand her political influence through this Senate bid. During his speech, Trump endeavoured to present her in a favourable light, referencing her significant weight loss in a rather unorthodox manner.

Trump praised Hinson for shedding pounds “the old-fashioned way,” a reference he made while gesturing towards his own chest. “I knew Ashley for a long time, and she was a little bit heavier,” he stated, drawing a mixture of laughter and cheers from the audience. His remarks seemed to aim at making a personal connection with Hinson, framing her journey as an inspiring example of determination.

However, the rally was not without its disruptions. Hecklers from the crowd prompted Trump to label them as “paid protestors,” to which the audience responded by chanting, “USA, USA!” The former President accused these hecklers of being in the employ of Democratic billionaire George Soros, a claim that is unverified.

Amidst the interruptions, Trump attempted to refocus the crowd on Hinson’s achievements. He reiterated, “She knew the importance of what this was and how important it was and boy, she put herself, she went on a regiment.” In doing so, he sought to emphasise her dedication to her health and her commitment to serving the public.

Interestingly, Trump took a moment to self-reflect during the rally, joking, “Me, I put on a couple of pounds,” in what appeared to be light-hearted banter. Such comments were indicative of his style of blurring the line between politics and personal anecdotes, an approach that resonates with a portion of his base.

Before the event in Dubuque, Trump had initially cancelled his planned rally earlier in the week, creating speculation about his health and potential lack of enthusiasm. Following a heated exchange with a reporter from Reuters, who questioned the rationale behind the cancellations, Trump regained his momentum and quickly rescheduled both the Kansas and Iowa rallies.

As Election Day draws near, Hinson’s campaign is relying heavily on the visibility and support provided by Trump. His involvement is seen as a strategic move in bolstering Republican presence in a highly competitive race. With voters in Iowa gearing up to make their choices, the political landscape in this key state remains dynamic and unpredictable.

In a climate where every endorsement matters, Trump’s fervent backing of Hinson sets the stage for a closely watched electoral showdown against Turek, making the coming days pivotal for both candidates.