President Donald Trump used a Monday rally in Wichita, Kansas, to roll out an $8 billion aid package for American farmers, while Tuesday brings a new $25 million program paying cash rewards for tips about government fraud — and the Kansas trip also drew sharp criticism over language the president used on stage.
$8 billion for farmers
Speaking to supporters in Wichita, Trump announced a "Harvest Fuel Relief Program" aimed at farmers squeezed by record diesel prices and soaring fertilizer costs. It is the second one-time farm payment in eleven months, following a $12 billion package announced in December. The administration blames the Iran conflict for much of the pressure: about a third of the world's fertilizer supply normally moves through the Strait of Hormuz, where fighting has disrupted shipments, according to CNN.
The timing is political — midterm elections are two weeks away, and Senate races in farm-heavy states including Iowa, Kansas, Ohio and Texas are polling close. In Kansas, which has not elected a Democratic senator since 1932, the race between Republican Sen. Roger Marshall and Democrat Adam Hamilton is rated a toss-up.
"Shylock" remark draws condemnation
At the same rally, Trump defended Marshall against criticism over his medical billing practices — the New York Times reported Marshall sued more than 700 patients for unpaid bills while working as an obstetrician-gynecologist. In doing so, Trump used the word "Shylock," a term widely regarded as an antisemitic slur. The Anti-Defamation League condemned the remark, and the Jewish Council for Public Affairs noted it was the second time Trump had used the word publicly after an incident in Iowa in July 2025.
$25 million fraud-tip rewards
On Tuesday, Trump is set to announce a Justice Department program offering up to $30,000 for tips that lead to convictions for government fraud. The initiative grew out of Vice President JD Vance's antifraud task force, which has opened investigations into medical supply programs, food assistance benefits and Affordable Care Act enrollments. As part of the rollout, Trump will present a $10,000 check to conservative content creator Nick Shirley, whose viral video last year alleged fraud at daycare centers.
Also today
- Trump said he does not plan to take action against Canadian jet maker Bombardier, which employs 1,500 people in Wichita and 3,500 across the US; its shares rose about 2% Tuesday. The comment follows September threats to bar the company's jets after Canada imposed retaliatory tariffs.
- The State Department says more than 300,000 visas have been revoked since Trump's second term began — the fastest pace of any administration, according to a department spokesman — including at least 4,000 tied to "birth tourism."
- Trump said he would be open to meeting the leaders of Russia and China to discuss denuclearization.
- With two weeks until the midterms, Trump heads to North Carolina next, and he blasted Iran over American deaths and the execution of protesters.
Sources: CNN, Wall Street Journal, Reuters, New York Post, Fox News.
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