Representative Don Bacon (R-NE) | Courtesy: Brian Thorpe, House Creative Services
Nebraska Congressman Don Bacon used a virtual news conference Thursday to criticize tariffs, question aspects of President Donald Trump’s handling of the war with Iran and defend press access to the White House, while also signaling that he intends to remain involved in national politics after leaving Congress.
The Republican representing Nebraska’s 2nd Congressional District said he continues to support the overall U.S. objective of preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons, but argued the administration mishandled the early stages of the conflict.
Bacon said Trump should have sought bipartisan congressional backing from the outset. “He can’t fight a war in a partisan manner,” Bacon said. “It’s got to be a bipartisan effort.”
Bacon nevertheless said he believes the administration’s current strategy is putting substantial economic pressure on Iran, pointing specifically to the blockade. He said the administration needs to continue explaining its objectives to the American public.
The war in Iran remains a major national and economic issue. President Trump defended the conflict during his address to the United Nations this week, while signaling continued interest in negotiations. ([AP News][2])
Tariffs and Midwest Agriculture
Bacon was particularly critical of tariffs and their effect on Midwestern agriculture.
He said he previously warned Trump that low commodity prices and high input costs were creating serious problems for farmers and that tariffs would not play well in the Midwest.
“We have low commodity prices, high input prices,” Bacon said. “I thought tariffs were not going to be popular. They weren’t going to work in the Midwest.”
Bacon said he has also heard concerns from trucking companies about high diesel prices.
Later in the news conference, Bacon said the decision to remove tariffs on beef while retaining tariffs affecting other products and inputs sent what he called “a bad message in the Midwest.”
Bacon also said House members remain on call during the pre-election recess and could return to Washington for financial or budget votes if necessary. He characterized current conditions facing farmers as an “agriculture crisis.”
Bacon Defends White House Press Access
Bacon also broke with the administration over Trump’s decision to bar CNN, MS NOW and Politico from the White House.
“I believe that transparency with the media, with media that support you and media that opposes you, is part of the democratic process,” Bacon said. “The Fourth Estate keeps our elected leaders honest and allows the voters to know what’s going on.”
The three organizations challenged the action in federal court. A judge has temporarily restored their access for 14 days while the legal fight continues.
Bacon Discusses His Future
Asked directly about speculation that he could run for president in 2028, Bacon did not announce a campaign.
“I look forward to being involved in 2028. Not so much for Don Bacon and me being a candidate,” Bacon said, adding that he believed discussing his future in greater detail would be more appropriate after this year’s election.
Bacon said he wants national leaders to pursue bipartisan approaches to the federal debt and deficit, immigration and the long-term financial pressures facing Social Security and Medicare. He also called for sustained bipartisan defense spending and emphasized the importance of U.S. alliances.
Bacon, who is not seeking another term in Nebraska’s 2nd Congressional District, described himself during the news conference as representing a more traditional Republican approach and repeatedly argued that major national problems cannot be solved without cooperation across party lines.