River to River

Reactions to President Trump's $15 billion Iowa steel mill proposal

By Ben Kieffer,

Published October 1, 2026 at 7:00 AM CDT

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President Donald Trump said it will be the biggest steel plant in American history — and its home will be Iowa.

On this Politics Day episode, we talk with political scientists Peter Hanson of Grinnell College and Jim McCormick of Iowa State University. We get their views on the new steel mill proposed in eastern Iowa, what the latest polls say about Iowa's toss-up races, Iowa Republicans breaking with Trump over the Iran war and more.

Guests:

Peter Hanson, professor and department chair of political science, Grinnell College
Jim McCormick, professor emeritus of political science, Iowa State University

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River to River Politics Day

Ben Kieffer

Ben Kieffer is the host of "River to River." Since 2007, Kieffer has interviewed, conversed with, and shared ideas from guests of all backgrounds and locations, and has helped listeners better understand, appreciate, and explore their state and the world around them. Kieffer has a bachelor's degree from the University of Iowa.

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Samantha McIntosh

Samantha McIntosh is an award-winning talk show producer for Iowa Public Radio. She holds a bachelor's degree from St. Cloud State University. Since 2022, McIntosh has worked with IPR's talk team to bring news and features to IPR's listening audience.

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Neve Kelley

Neve Kelley is IPR's talk show production assistant. She recently graduated from Oberlin College, where she studied English, environmental studies, writing and communication. She is originally from Peoria, Illinois. She uses her passion for community-centered storytelling to showcase the people, culture and arts that shape Iowa. Some of her favorite things to do in Iowa include going to shows at Codfish Hollow and the Englert, visiting different coffee shops and taking yoga classes.

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