Cedar Rapids, Iowa — Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg made waves this week with sharp attacks on former President Donald Trump during a town hall hosted by the liberal VoteVets Action Fund. The event, held in the key early state of Iowa, reignited speculation that Buttigieg is laying the groundwork for a 2028 presidential bid.
Buttigieg kicked off the event by calling for unity across the political spectrum—conservatives, liberals, and libertarians—around the idea of “freedom from overbearing government.” But his rhetoric quickly turned toward accusations, claiming President Trump once suggested deporting Americans or stripping broadcast licenses from news outlets he opposes.
Criticism of Trump Policies—and the Constitution?
During the Q&A portion, Buttigieg criticized the Trump administration for supposedly threatening civil liberties, including the right to habeas corpus—a claim rooted in partisan speculation, not fact.
He singled out Trump’s handling of immigration enforcement, referencing the case of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a non-citizen deported earlier this year. Buttigieg argued the deportation was a miscarriage of justice, saying “no politician gets to decide you’re a criminal.” President Trump, meanwhile, stated the matter could be reviewed but reiterated that enforcing immigration law is essential for national security.
This type of rhetoric from Buttigieg mirrors what many conservatives see as the left’s ongoing effort to erode border protections and weaken law enforcement in the name of political correctness.
Democrat Strategy: Wait and Watch—or Push Back?
Buttigieg also called out his own party, criticizing Democrats for standing by while the Trump administration advanced its America First agenda. “There’s this theory that if we just hang back, the other side will mess up and get blamed,” he said. “I disagree. They may mess things up, but they’re great at assigning blame elsewhere.”
This reflects growing frustration among Democrats that their party lacks a coherent response to the conservative policies still dominating national conversation—even as Trump remains the party’s undisputed leader.
Iowa: Familiar Ground for Buttigieg
Iowa isn’t just any stop for Buttigieg. It’s where he claimed the most delegates during the 2020 Democratic caucuses—before dropping out and endorsing Joe Biden. Now based in Michigan, Buttigieg recently declined to run for governor or U.S. Senate, signaling that his eyes are likely on the White House.
In a recent interview, Buttigieg remained vague on a 2028 campaign, saying such decisions are “a long way off.” But conservatives see this Iowa event as an early sign that Buttigieg is reentering the national spotlight—with a message aimed more at appeasing the far-left than uniting the country.
The Bottom Line for Conservative Voters
Buttigieg’s appearance in Iowa may energize progressives, but for many conservatives—especially those age 50 and older—it’s a reminder of what’s at stake. From attacking Trump to defending questionable immigration cases, Buttigieg’s platform underscores the contrast between Trump’s results-focused leadership and the left’s polished but hollow rhetoric.
With 2028 still years away, one thing is clear: Pete Buttigieg is positioning himself as a leading voice for the progressive left, while conservatives remain focused on securing America’s future, protecting freedom, and restoring common sense leadership in Washington.