Donald Trump concluded a lengthy campaign rally in New York City on Sunday, marked by a series of falsehoods and personal attacks against his opponent, Kamala Harris. The event, which took place at Madison Square Garden, featured a lineup of speakers who engaged in racist remarks and vulgar insults.
As Trump spoke, the crowd, initially enthusiastic, began to dwindle, reflecting a disconnect between the energy at the start and the content of his speech, which included familiar themes of blaming the Biden administration for various issues, including immigration and crime.
During his nearly hour-and-20-minute address, Trump framed the upcoming election as a stark choice: either “gross incompetence and failure” or the promise of “the four greatest years in the history of our country.” He portrayed himself as a beacon of hope, suggesting that the United States would soon enter a “new golden age.”
Trump’s inflammatory language included accusations against Harris and the Biden administration regarding immigration, falsely claiming that they had “unleashed an army of migrant gangs” and imported criminals into the country. He insisted that on his first day in office, he would end what he called a “migrant invasion.”
The atmosphere at the rally was charged, with numerous speakers preceding Trump engaging in crude and often derogatory commentary. Comedian Tony Hinchcliffe received mixed reactions for his racially charged jokes, particularly about Puerto Rico, while other speakers continued the trend of inflammatory rhetoric.
Businessman Grant Cardone referred to Harris in derogatory terms, while former WWE star Hulk Hogan energized the crowd with theatrical antics and support for Trump. The event also featured a standing ovation for Rudy Giuliani, who lamented Trump’s legal troubles while asserting that more indictments would only bolster Trump’s support.
Amidst the tumultuous atmosphere, Melania Trump made a rare public appearance, and the rally was described by the campaign as “historic,” showcasing prominent figures like Elon Musk and former Fox News host Tucker Carlson.
Musk, in his remarks, made a quip about saving taxpayers money while encouraging the crowd to chant “USA.” The diverse lineup of speakers and the charged rhetoric showcased a blend of humor, anger, and a shared vision among attendees.
In contrast to the rally, Harris campaigned in Pennsylvania, engaging with community members in various venues, including a Black church and a barbershop.
The rally’s rhetoric, characterized by hate and divisive commentary, could have repercussions in critical swing states like Pennsylvania, where the Latino vote has become increasingly significant. As both candidates continue their campaigns, the contrasting tones and messages reveal the deep divisions within the electorate leading up to the election.