Trump highlighted Venezuelan oil, predicted lower fuel prices and pushed Republican votes as local leaders discussed water, jobs and border security.
Trump dances off stage after wrapping up Corpus Christi rally
0:08
Enjoy more video shorts on the 6 News app by scanning this code
Enjoy more video shorts on the 6 News app
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — President Donald Trump returned to Corpus Christi on Tuesday, Oct. 27, using a rally at the Port of Corpus Christi to highlight a Venezuelan oil shipment, predict lower fuel prices, and urge Texans to vote Republican in the final week before the midterm election.
The president addressed supporters gathered at the port, where he discussed energy production, overseas military operations, border security, and the closely watched U.S. Senate race between Republican Ken Paxton and Democrat James Talarico.
This story continues below.
Trump announced that a tanker carrying approximately 1 million barrels of Venezuelan oil was near the port, describing the shipment as a significant development for American energy production.
“It’s got 1 million barrels of oil on it from Venezuela,” Trump told supporters while pointing toward the vessel.
The president claimed the oil was being supplied to the United States at no cost to American taxpayers and would be processed at Texas refineries, including facilities in Corpus Christi. Those claims were not independently verified during the rally.
Trump also predicted that increased oil supplies would lead to lower prices for consumers.
“Gasoline and diesel prices will soon come down,” Trump said, adding that he expects prices to fall significantly.
He praised U.S. military personnel for their role in operations involving Venezuela and discussed the ongoing conflict with Iran, defending his administration’s military actions.
Trump also highlighted the Port of Corpus Christi’s role in the energy industry, saying the facility had experienced its busiest nine-month period and emphasizing the importance of Texas oil and gas production.
Trump urges Texans to support Republicans ahead of Election Day
With Election Day just one week away, Trump repeatedly urged voters to support Republican candidates, particularly Paxton in his U.S. Senate race.
The president praised Paxton’s record as Texas attorney general and said Republicans need additional support in Congress to advance his administration’s priorities.
“I need the help of Ken Paxton in the US Senate,” Trump said. He also encouraged supporters to approach the midterm election with the same enthusiasm they brought to previous presidential elections.
“Now I want you to pretend I’m on the ballot,” Trump told the crowd. Trump criticized Talarico’s positions on energy, immigration, gun rights, and other social issues. During the rally, he played a video featuring excerpts of Talarico’s past remarks and made several allegations about the Democratic candidate’s policy positions.
The rally came as Republicans and Democrats continue campaigning across Texas ahead of the Nov. 3 election.
Eric Flores promises to prioritize Corpus Christi water security
Before Trump took the stage, Republican congressional candidate Eric Flores, who is challenging Democratic incumbent Vicente Gonzalez in Texas’ 34th Congressional District, addressed supporters about several issues affecting the Coastal Bend.
Flores emphasized the region’s ongoing water challenges, the importance of the Corpus Christi Army Depot and support for military personnel and law enforcement.
“Families need reliable water for generations to come,” Flores said. He pledged to work with the Trump administration and other congressional leaders to address the city’s long-term water needs.
“In my first year in office, I will work alongside President Trump and Congressman Cloud and every member of Congress to secure water for Corpus Christi, not only for this generation, but for the next,” Flores said.
Flores also promised to advocate for the Corpus Christi Army Depot and criticized Gonzalez’s congressional record before urging supporters to vote in the upcoming election.
Congressman Michael Cloud highlights port investments and water challenges
U.S. Rep. Michael Cloud also addressed the crowd, thanking Corpus Christi residents for allowing him to represent the area in Congress.
Cloud reflected on previous work with Trump’s administration involving energy development at the Port of Corpus Christi and said he remains committed to addressing the area’s water supply challenges.
He recalled discussions with the president about securing assistance for the region’s water needs. Cloud also spoke about border security, military readiness and education while encouraging voters to participate in the midterm election.
“Decisions are made by people who show up,” Cloud said, urging supporters to cast their ballots before Election Day.
Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz focuses on border security and affordability
U.S. Rep. Monica De La Cruz, who represents Texas’ 15th Congressional District, also joined the rally, highlighting her South Texas upbringing and her work on border security, tax policy and economic issues.
De La Cruz said lowering everyday costs remains a priority, particularly for working families struggling with grocery and energy expenses.
“When a mother walks into the HEB, she should be able to buy dinner for her family,” De La Cruz said. She also discussed water issues affecting South Texas farmers and credited her work in Congress with securing federal assistance for agricultural communities.
De La Cruz criticized her Democratic opponent, musician Bobby Pulido, and alleged ties to his family and political connections. Those accusations were not independently substantiated during the event.
She encouraged supporters to participate in early voting and the November election.
Crowds gather despite rainy conditions
The rally drew supporters to the Port of Corpus Christi, with attendees lining up outside the venue Tuesday morning despite rainy conditions.
Doors were scheduled to open at 10:30 a.m., followed by a program featuring Republican elected officials and candidates ahead of Trump’s afternoon remarks.
The appearance marked another presidential visit to the Coastal Bend as Republican candidates intensified their campaigning in South Texas.
Trump’s visit also followed recent campaign stops in Corpus Christi by other high-profile political figures, including Gov. Greg Abbott, Paxton and Talarico. Early voting in Texas continues through Friday, Oct. 30. Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3, with polls open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Stay with 3NEWS for continuing election coverage, candidate interviews and updates from across the Coastal Bend.