Trump Posts Elvis Image, Makes Wild Vietnam Claims Ahead of Midterms

Remarks at Iowa rally

At a Sunday rally in Dubuque, Trump discussed Iran and the military action earlier in the year that led to the capture of former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. He also reflected on past wars, including Vietnam and Afghanistan.

Trump said the Vietnam War lasted 21 years and involved thousands and thousands of deaths, then described Afghanistan as lasting for years. He argued that the United States never fought to win and said he could have won the Vietnam conflict in a week.

Agent Orange comments

An audience member identified Agent Orange as the chemical under discussion. The herbicide was used by the U.S. military to destroy forest cover in Vietnam. Trump responded that Agent Orange was red, then referred to its use in forests and mentioned Ho Chi Minh City. The city, formerly called Saigon, was the capital of South Vietnam, which was allied with the United States.

Midterm political stakes

The posts and rally remarks came days before the midterm elections. Republicans held majorities in both the House and Senate, while polls indicated Democrats could increase their power in Congress.