Rep. Derrick Van Orden’s Views on Trump and Election Strategy

Rep. Derrick Van Orden recently appeared on Breitbart News, where he spoke highly of President Donald Trump’s counter-terrorism efforts and challenged claims from his Democratic opponent regarding being an outsider. He emphasized the importance of engaging conservative voters in Wisconsin to help the Republican Party maintain its majority in the House.

Van Orden acknowledged the Trump administration’s successes in combating threats, mentioning that, as he put it, “ISIS is missing one second-in-command.” He commended Trump and his team for their counterterrorism initiatives, especially in Africa, highlighting their dedication to keeping Americans safe.

He stressed the ongoing threats posed by groups like ISIS, Hamas, and Hezbollah, stating, “We must never forget that they still want us dead.” In response to highlighted achievements mentioned by Breitbart News correspondent Matthew Boyle, Van Orden praised Dr. Sebastian Gorka for his impactful work in counterterrorism.

Van Orden noted that the administration has effectively mobilized resources, authority, and morale, suggesting that it has become a cohesive team dedicated to national security.

Boyle brought attention to the 2026 race involving Van Orden and Democrat Rebecca Cook. He pointed out that Cook claims to be a political outsider, despite her background in political fundraising and consulting. Van Orden countered that Cook’s narrative simply isn’t accurate, describing her work experience as less than genuine.

Furthermore, he asserted that Cook sidesteps scrutiny due to her Democratic affiliation, dismissing her claims about her background as a waitress as misleading. He made a point to reflect on his fundraising efforts, comparing his own achievements to Cook’s financial support and alleging improper fundraising practices by Democrats.

Comments from Cook regarding the demographic makeup of Eau Claire stirred controversy, as Van Orden condemned her remarks as divisive and indicated a sell-out of traditional values. He expressed a philosophy of equality, stating, “I look at every person and their worth, not the color of their skin or their religion or their gender.”

Van Orden encouraged Cook to publicly disclose her tax returns for transparency, particularly to allow voters to compare her income from consulting versus her claims of working in the service industry. He argued that Republican initiatives, such as tax breaks for tips and overtime, would directly benefit those in service jobs.

When discussing voter turnout in Wisconsin, Van Orden made it clear that the state isn’t strictly blue or purple; instead, he believes many conservative voters simply don’t participate regularly. He framed his campaign primarily around encouraging higher voter turnout among conservatives, asserting that actions speak louder in terms of policy and effectiveness.

He pointed to specific voter demographics, such as hunters and Second Amendment advocates, noting that only a fraction of them are currently voting. Van Orden highlighted perceptions of Cook’s campaign statements, mentioning instances where she has been lax on key issues. He confidently asserted that Republicans could hold onto the House, attributing potential outcomes to practical concerns like gas prices and general living costs.

Touching on economic issues, Van Orden noted that while gas prices are high compared to Trump’s presidency, they haven’t reached the peaks seen during the Biden administration. He was optimistic, suggesting that fuel prices would eventually decrease as economic conditions improve. He also shared hopes for better grocery prices, citing various agricultural agreements.

Regarding border security, Van Orden contrasted the current status with the previous administration, citing a dramatic decrease in illegal border crossings. He wrapped up by expressing confidence that Republicans could continue to support Trump’s agenda for the benefit of his voter base.