The Latest: Trump says US is ‘hottest’ country in world
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Latest on President Donald Trump (all times local):
7:30 p.m.
President Donald Trump says America is the hottest country in the world, celebrating what he calls an economy unlike any other in its history.
Speaking at a political rally Saturday night at Eastern Kentucky University, Trump is ticking off his administration’s accomplishments, leading with the low unemployment rate. He’s also assuring Kentuckians that coal has come back.
Trump is in the state to promote the campaigns of GOP candidates for Congress. He’s warning that Democrats only want to obstruct and says their lust for power drove them to be incredibly unfair to his Supreme Court nominee, Brett Kavanaugh.
Trump also led for a rousing cheer for the state’s senior senator, Majority Leader Mitch McConnell.
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6:30 p.m.
Kentucky’s governor and senior U.S. senator have greeted President Donald Trump upon his arrival for a political rally Saturday night in Richmond, Kentucky.
Trump shook hands with Gov. Matt Bevin and Sen. Mitch McConnell shortly after Air Force One landed at Lexington’s airport. Also on hand were several state representatives.
Trump is in the state for a rally at Alumni Coliseum on the campus of Eastern Kentucky University.
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2:10 p.m.
President Donald Trump says Republican Andy Barr, a Kentucky congressman, is a “fantastic guy” whose vote Trump needs to make America great again.
Trump is heading to Kentucky later Saturday to campaign for Barr, who’s seeking re-election to a fourth term.
Barr is facing a strong challenge from Democrat Amy McGrath, a former Marine fighter pilot.
Trump tweets before the trip to Kentucky that Barr is strong on crime, tax cuts, the military, veterans and the Second Amendment.
Trump adds that McGrath “will NEVER vote for us” and that Barr has “my Strongest Endorsement.”
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11:15 a.m.
President Donald Trump is set to spend Saturday night in Kentucky campaigning for the Republican candidate in one of the country’s most closely watched congressional races.
Rep. Andy Barr wants a fourth term representing Kentucky’s 6th Congressional District. Barr is facing a strong challenge from Democrat Amy McGrath, a retired Marine fighter pilot.
Democrats are focusing on the seat in their drive to win back control of the House. Former Vice President Joe Biden campaigned for McGrath on Friday night.
Trump’s planned rally at Eastern Kentucky University in Richmond has sparked opposition at the school. Scores of faculty and staff members said in a letter to the university’s president and board of regents that Trump’s campaign has attacked the values that are central to higher education.
Trump held another rally Friday night in Ohio.
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1:15 a.m.
President Donald Trump has finished one political rally and is set to go out on the road for another campaign-style event.
Trump campaigned Friday night for Ohio’s gubernatorial and congressional candidates. But, as he often does at his rallies, he spent much of the hour-plus speech promoting his own record.
Trump drew loud cheers for securing the release of pastor Andrew Brunson from Turkey.
The president has scheduled another rally Saturday night in Kentucky.
