President Donald Trump told a Kentucky crowd Saturday that the federal government would pour $100 million into a drug manufacturing plant in the state, but only if Republicans win next month's midterm elections.

"If the Republicans win, the Department of War will be investing $100 million" in the pharmaceutical company Antheia, Trump said at a rally at Northern Kentucky University's Truist Arena in Highland Heights, IBTimes UK reported. He described the company's Winchester site as a "gigantic drug manufacturing facility," adding, "That's a big one."

A Pledge in a Battleground District

Winchester sits in Kentucky's 6th Congressional District, home to the state's most competitive House race. Trump backed Republican Ralph Alvarado there, calling the contest "tight" and describing Democratic candidate Zach Dembo as "a lunatic," the Kentucky Lantern reported. Alvarado did not attend the rally because of prior commitments at a local festival.

A poll conducted for the group Kentuckians Not Corruption from Sept. 29 to Oct. 5 showed Dembo leading Alvarado 47% to 38%, with a margin of error of 4.4 percentage points.

Trump did not say when the investment would happen, how it would be structured or whether any agreement is already in place. The Department of Defense did not respond to the Lantern's request for comment.

Beshear's Office Calls for a DOJ Review

Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear's office said it had no information about the investment. A spokesperson for the governor said that if the funding depends on the outcome of an election, the Department of Justice should investigate.

Democratic Rep. Morgan McGarvey, Kentucky's only Democrat in Congress, also criticized the president, pointing to rising gas and grocery prices, health care costs and Medicaid cuts. He said Dembo has a good chance of winning the 6th District.

A few protesters gathered on campus during the rally, and separate "No Kings" protests were planned across the state. Inside the arena, Trump paused as a protester was removed. "We shouldn't ruin his life and press charges, right? Just let him go," he said, before adding, "Oh, no? Let's think about it." He also claimed, without evidence, that protesters were being paid $250.

What Is Antheia?

Antheia is a California-based company that makes ingredients used in medicines. It uses biosynthesis technology, which it says offers an alternative to supply chains that rely on crops, which can suffer from poor yields and other disruptions.

In March, the Department of Health and Human Services announced a $9 million award to the company to increase U.S. production of thebaine, an ingredient used in medicines for pain management, alcohol use disorder and opioid overdose reversal. Antheia previously received a government-backed agreement worth up to $12 million under the Defense Production Act.

It was not clear whether the $100 million pledge would expand those efforts or fund something new.

"Pretend I'm on the Ballot"

During the rally, which ran more than 90 minutes, Trump urged voters to "pretend I'm on the ballot." He also repeated his promise of $5,000 checks for adults if Republicans keep control of Congress. The midterms come as Trump's approval rating has slipped to a second-term low.

Trump endorsed U.S. Rep. Andy Barr in the race for the Senate seat being vacated by Mitch McConnell. Barr faces Democrat Charles Booker, whom Trump called "a communist lunatic." A Booker campaign poll from late August showed Barr ahead 49% to 40%.

Trump also backed Ed Gallrein, a former Navy SEAL running in the 4th District, where the rally was held. Gallrein defeated Rep. Thomas Massie in the May Republican primary and now faces Democrat Melissa Strange.

Kentucky voters have until Oct. 20 to request an absentee ballot. Early voting begins Oct. 29, and Election Day is Nov. 3.

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