President Donald Trump returned to Corpus Christi on Tuesday, Oct. 27, holding a rally at the Port of Corpus Christi to highlight energy production, predict lower fuel prices, and urge Texans to vote Republican in the midterm election.
The rally brought together Republican candidates and elected officials to discuss issues affecting South Texas, including water security, border enforcement, military readiness, and economic affordability.
Trump also addressed the U.S. Senate race between Republican Ken Paxton and Democrat James Talarico, encouraging supporters to back Republican candidates in the final week before Election Day.
Trump Highlights Venezuelan Oil Shipment at Corpus Christi Port
During his speech, Trump announced that a tanker carrying approximately 1 million barrels of Venezuelan oil was near the Port of Corpus Christi.
The president described the shipment as a major development for American energy production and claimed the oil would reach U.S. refineries at no cost to American taxpayers.
“It’s got 1 million barrels of oil on it from Venezuela,” Trump told supporters while pointing toward the vessel.
Trump said Texas refineries, including facilities in Corpus Christi, would process the oil. However, no one independently verified those claims during the rally.
Trump Predicts Lower Gasoline and Diesel Prices
Trump also predicted that increased oil supplies would help reduce fuel prices for American consumers.
“Gasoline and diesel prices will soon come down,” Trump said, adding that he expected prices to fall significantly.
The president highlighted the Port of Corpus Christi’s role in the nation’s energy industry, saying the facility had experienced its busiest nine-month period.
He also praised Texas oil and gas production, emphasizing the state’s importance to American energy development.
Additionally, Trump praised U.S. military personnel involved in operations concerning Venezuela and discussed the ongoing conflict with Iran, defending his administration’s military actions.
Trump Urges Texans to Support Republicans Ahead of Election Day
With Election Day approaching, Trump repeatedly encouraged supporters to vote for Republican candidates, particularly Paxton in the closely watched U.S. Senate race.
The president praised Paxton’s record as Texas attorney general and emphasized the importance of Republican representation in Congress to advance his administration’s priorities.
“I need the help of Ken Paxton in the US Senate,” Trump said.
Trump also urged supporters to approach the midterm election with the same enthusiasm they demonstrated during previous presidential elections.
“Now I want you to pretend I’m on the ballot,” he told the crowd.
During the rally, Trump criticized Talarico’s positions on energy, immigration, gun rights, and other social issues.
He played a video featuring excerpts from Talarico’s past remarks and made several allegations about the Democratic candidate’s policy positions.
The rally came as Republicans and Democrats continued 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 addressed supporters about several issues affecting the Coastal Bend.
Flores, who is challenging Democratic incumbent Vicente Gonzalez in Texas’ 34th Congressional District, emphasized the region’s ongoing water challenges and the importance of the Corpus Christi Army Depot.
He also highlighted support for military personnel and law enforcement.
“Families need reliable water for generations to come,” Flores said.
Flores pledged to work with the Trump administration and congressional leaders to address Corpus Christi’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.
He also promised to advocate for the Corpus Christi Army Depot, criticized Gonzalez’s congressional record, and encouraged supporters to vote.
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 the Trump administration involving energy development at the Port of Corpus Christi.
He said he remained committed to addressing the region’s water supply challenges and recalled discussing with the president how to secure assistance for local water needs.
Cloud also discussed border security, military readiness, and education, and encouraged 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.
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.
De La Cruz highlighted her South Texas upbringing and her work on border security, tax policy, and economic issues.
She 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. No one independently substantiated those accusations during the event.
She encouraged supporters to vote early and in the November election.
Crowds Gather at Corpus Christi Port Despite Rain
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 prominent political figures, including Gov. Greg Abbott, Paxton and Talarico.
When Is Election Day in Texas?
Early voting in Texas continues through Friday, Oct. 30.
Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3, with polling locations open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Texans can review voting information, including early voting locations and Election Day details, through the Coastal Bend voter guide.