Former President Donald Trump hosted a rally at Madison Square Garden in New York, featuring crude and racist insults that turned off many of his critics. Speakers at the rally made derogatory comments about Puerto Rico, Vice President Kamala Harris, and the woman vying to become the first female and Black woman president. The event showcased the divisive rhetoric that has defined Trump’s campaign, with comedian Tony Hinchcliffe making offensive jokes and other speakers making incendiary comments about Harris.
Despite the offensive remarks made at the rally, the Trump campaign distanced itself from Hinchcliffe’s joke, stating that it did not reflect the views of the President. However, the overall tone of the event reflected Trump’s offensive and personal attacks on his opponents, especially Harris. The rally featured a mix of speakers, including Hulk Hogan, Dr. Phil McGraw, Tucker Carlson, and politicians like House Speaker Mike Johnson and Reps. Byron Donalds and Elise Stefanik. The event was a surreal spectacle that included performances and speeches before Trump took the stage, running more than two hours late.
During his speech, Trump announced a new tax credit for family caregivers, adding to his list of tax cuts aimed at winning over older adults and blue-collar workers. He repeated familiar lines about foreign policy and immigration, calling for harsh penalties for migrants who kill U.S. citizens and vowing to end the migrant invasion of the country. Tech mogul Elon Musk also spoke at the rally, praising Trump and endorsing his plan to lead a government efficiency commission. The event saw many speakers from the Republican National Convention, who attacked Democrats and criticized Hillary Clinton for her comments likening the rally to a pro-Nazi event.
Critics have compared Trump’s rally to a pro-Nazi rally held at Madison Square Garden in February 1939, prompting strong reactions from speakers at the event. Trump’s attorney, Alina Habba, dismissed the comparisons as unfounded, while other speakers like Hulk Hogan rejected the Nazi label. Trump has faced increasing scrutiny and legal challenges, leading to his denunciations of political rivals and accusations of witch hunts against him. Despite the controversy, the rally drew a large crowd of supporters inside the arena and on the streets outside, with heavy security measures in place.
Trump’s rally at Madison Square Garden marked a return to his hometown, where he has a complicated history of legal troubles and controversies. While New York has not voted for a Republican president in 40 years, Trump continues to believe he can win the state and has targeted competitive congressional races there. The rally was one of several detours Trump has made from battleground states, attracting national coverage and reaching undecided voters. Trump often uses New York as a backdrop to paint a dark vision of the city, but during the rally, he praised the city’s spirit and energy. The event concluded with opera singer Christopher Macchio performing the song “New York, New York,” as Trump and his wife stood on stage.
