In an effort to drum up support heading into the midterms, President Donald Trump stopped by an Idaho dude ranch Saturday, where he told reporters he had quickly established himself as the greatest cowboy in American history, surpassing not only everyone currently working in ranching, but also screen legend John Wayne.
“I’m a natural cowboy, everybody is saying it,” Trump said while standing beside a horse he described as “strong, beautiful, very loyal.” “They came up to me, tough ranch people, real ranch people, with tears in their eyes, and they said, ‘Sir, we’ve never seen anything like it. John Wayne was good, but frankly, you’re better.’”
Trump made the remarks shortly after arriving at the ranch in a dark suit, red tie, and red MAGA hat, posing in front of several horses and making what aides described as “a very well-received western gesture” with both hands.
According to campaign staff, the Idaho stop was intended to strengthen the president’s connection with rural voters and highlight what one adviser called his “longstanding natural affinity for the American West.”
Witnesses said Trump spent several minutes discussing cattle, ranch land, and what he called “the cowboy brand,” while occasionally glancing toward the mountains in a manner supporters described as presidential.
“He just looked comfortable out there,” said one attendee. “Like somebody who really understands the spirit of the frontier. He even asked if our cattle are used for hamburgers.”
Trump went on to say that while John Wayne had benefited from Hollywood and “very favorable cameras,” his own cowboy credentials were based on instinct and leadership.
“John Wayne, he was good, maybe the best, some people say,” Trump said. “But when you’re a real leader, and I am, you don’t have to study being a cowboy. You just are one.”
Asked whether he had any previous ranching experience, Trump said experience was often overrated and that authenticity mattered more.
Before departing, the president told supporters that the trip had been a success and said he looked forward to doing “very well with the cowboy vote.”
