President Donald Trump is stepping up his nationwide political outreach, with a planned visit to Iowa highlighting his administration’s efforts to strengthen support among rural voters amid growing concerns about the US economy, fuel prices and the ongoing conflict with Iran.

White House Deputy Press Secretary Anna Calli defended Trump’s economic agenda during a television interview, describing the president as “barnstorming the country” to promote his administration’s policies and achievements. She argued that Trump has a strong record to present to American voters, particularly those living in rural communities who remain concerned about jobs, manufacturing and agricultural costs.

The discussion comes as recent polling cited during the interview suggests that economic dissatisfaction remains widespread among rural voters. According to the figures presented, 23% of respondents described the economy as good, while 20% said it was neither good nor poor. Meanwhile, 57% rated the economy as being in poor condition.

These figures underscore the economic challenges facing the Trump administration as it attempts to maintain political support among voters who played an important role in his 2024 election victory.

Calli said Trump intends to highlight what the White House considers major economic achievements, including tax cuts, initiatives to encourage domestic manufacturing and efforts to bring jobs back to the United States. She also pointed to the administration’s proposed and enacted policies aimed at supporting American families and strengthening the domestic economy.

The deputy press secretary criticized the previous administration under former President Joe Biden, arguing that its trade policies contributed to the movement of American jobs overseas and weakened manufacturing industries in rural areas. She said Trump is seeking to reverse those trends by encouraging domestic production and pursuing changes to international trade arrangements.

Agriculture is expected to remain a significant part of the president’s message to rural voters. According to Calli, Trump is committed to supporting American farmers by addressing production costs, creating employment opportunities and pursuing trade policies that benefit domestic industries.

However, concerns about economic conditions could present a challenge for the administration. Rising expenses and uncertainty surrounding energy prices have become important issues for households, farmers and businesses, particularly those that depend heavily on diesel fuel and transportation.

During the interview, the discussion also turned to energy prices and the potential economic consequences of the conflict involving Iran. The interviewer noted that fuel costs remain a concern for rural voters and raised questions about the administration’s efforts to address diesel prices.

The conflict with Iran has added another dimension to the economic debate, particularly because developments in the energy sector can influence global oil markets, transportation expenses and agricultural production costs. Any sustained increase in fuel prices could place additional pressure on American farmers and businesses already facing elevated operating expenses.

The interview also touched on reports concerning Iran’s oil exports and the possible economic impact of restrictions affecting its energy sector. Such developments could have wider implications for international energy markets, although their ultimate effects would depend on supply conditions, trade restrictions and broader geopolitical developments.

Calli maintained that Trump’s economic policies offer a clear alternative to those proposed by Democrats. She said the administration would continue promoting its agenda while emphasizing job creation, domestic manufacturing and support for rural communities.

The conversation later shifted to the future of the White House press secretary position. During a separate exchange played in the interview, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the president would ultimately decide who should occupy the role, emphasizing the importance of having a spokesperson who understands his policies and can defend the administration’s positions.

Asked whether she would be interested in the position, Calli declined to discuss her future ambitions, saying she remained focused on her current responsibilities. She added that Trump frequently communicates his own message directly to the public through speeches, interviews and campaign-style appearances across the country.

Calli also highlighted the roles played by Vice President JD Vance, Cabinet members and other administration officials in explaining and defending the president’s policies.

Trump’s planned outreach to Iowa reflects the administration’s broader effort to maintain engagement with rural voters while promoting its economic record. However, the polling figures discussed during the interview suggest that economic concerns remain a significant issue, potentially putting pressure on the president to demonstrate tangible improvements in living costs, fuel prices, employment and agricultural profitability.

As Trump continues his nationwide political appearances, the response from rural communities could provide an important indication of whether the administration’s economic message is resonating with voters or whether dissatisfaction over current economic conditions is becoming a more serious political challenge.