Trump Acts on Diesel and Campaigns in Grand Island
On Monday, October 5, 2026, at a Nebraska rally, President Donald Trump signed an executive order while on stage. Tax-exempt red-dyed diesel used by truckers and farmers no longer requires off-road use thanks to the new order. Trump held the event at the Pinnacle Bank Expo Center in Grand Island to boost support for Senator Pete Ricketts. According to RedState, the president devoted significant calendar time to ensuring Republicans keep their grip on Congress.
To reduce expensive diesel nationwide before the November 3 midterm elections, this action was taken. Per Washington Examiner, Trump directed aide Natalie Harp to hand him the order so he could sign it live. He mocked former President Joe Biden for using an autopen to sign orders while in office. The crowd applauded as Trump held up the signed document for all to see.
Trump told the gathering that this action “should absolutely assure your election” for local Republicans. He noted that red-dyed diesel is “sold tax-free for off-road vehicles and big trucks.” He admitted he does not fully understand the technical details but called the fuel “very good.” As The Washington Examiner observed, the fuel’s name comes from the dye indicating exemption from highway excise taxes.
Voter Turnout and Economic Signs
Addressing the capacity crowd, Trump insisted the election must be viewed as a referendum on his administration. He told supporters, “Pretend I’m on the ballot,” warning that Republicans face voter problems without him atop the ticket. Breitbart reported that thousands of people lined the streets along his motorcade route to see him. One America News Network correspondent Daniel Baldwin called the crowd “outrageous” and said the expo center was “mobbed.”
The president highlighted the economy as a key issue for the upcoming vote. He pointed to a “soar[ing]” stock market and high employment numbers as proof of Republican success. A tweet from Rapid Response 47 stated that incomes for hardworking Americans have reached their highest level ever recorded. Under his leadership, Trump asserted that the poverty rate has hit an all-time low for the first time.
He also attacked the opponent running against Senator Ricketts. Trump called the Democrat candidate Dan Osborn a radical left lunatic and a fake independent. He described Osborn as a fake independent who will say anything to get elected. Trump warned that Democrats have attempted to smear us, to slander us, to persecute us, and demoralize us.
Closing the Rally with a Call to Action
Trump spent about an hour and 20 minutes on stage before closing the event with his signature dance. He danced to “YMCA” while young supporters standing behind him cheered loudly. Just 29 days from now, Nebraska will defeat the radical-left Dumb-o-crats once again, he told the crowd with support. The midterm election cycle had less than a month remaining when the rally took place.
The president has continued to blame high gasoline costs on external factors and political opposition. He posted on Truth Social that refineries in “Blue States, like California” are being closed up by the “Dumocrats.” He also cited Ukraine’s strikes against Russian oil refineries as a driver for rising prices. The Nebraska stop was part of his final campaign push before voters decide control of Congress.
The audience was reminded by Trump that his name will not be listed on the ballot this time. He said, “They’ve attacked me, impeached me, arrested me. They even tried to kill me, I guess.” He added that with the crowd at his side, “we have won every battle.” The vote on November 3 will determine if Republicans keep their hold on the House and Senate.
