Former President Donald Trump held a campaign rally at Madison Square Garden, where thousands of people gathered from around the New York area and beyond. The rally took place just nine days before Election Day, with a new CBS News poll showing Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris polling equally among likely voters, including in battleground states. The NYPD took various security measures to ensure the safety of attendees, including drones, robots, and antiterrorism units on standby outside the venue.
During the rally, Trump, along with other speakers such as JD Vance, Elon Musk, and Melania Trump, addressed various issues such as immigration, the conflict between Israel and Hamas, and crime. Trump’s speech focused on framing Vice President Kamala Harris as a “trainwreck” and criticizing her policies. The rally marked a departure from Trump’s usual focus on battleground states and drew a packed crowd at Madison Square Garden, with every seat filled from the floor to the highest sections.
Some of the notable speakers at the rally included Robert F. Kennedy Jr., former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, TV personality Dr. Phil McGraw, House Speaker Mike Johnson, Trump’s sons Eric and Donald Jr., and Staten Island activist Scott LoBaido. Melania Trump also made a surprise appearance and introduced her husband, delivering her first public political speech of the campaign cycle. Supporters at the rally expressed their admiration for Trump, citing reasons such as his economic policies and tough stance on immigration.
Before Trump took the stage, there were instances of vulgar language and offensive jokes in the speeches of some of the speakers. Comedian Tony Hinchcliffe made crude jokes about Puerto Rico and offensive remarks about Black people and Latinos. Radio host Sid Rosenberg used derogatory language against Hillary Clinton and migrants, while David Rem called Harris “the antichrist.” Business owner Grant Cardone also made disparaging remarks about Harris and her handlers. Despite the controversial language, attendees at the rally showed enthusiasm and support for Trump’s appearance.
The rally in New York City reflected the strong support for Trump among his followers, with attendees coming from various parts of the country to show their backing for the former president. In addition to addressing key issues and criticizing his opponents, Trump used the rally as an opportunity to energize his base and connect with his supporters on a personal level. The event featured a diverse lineup of speakers and highlighted Trump’s ties to his hometown of New York, with various local representatives and activists in attendance to show their support.
Overall, the packed Madison Square Garden rally served as a rallying point for Trump’s supporters, showcasing his enduring popularity and influence in American politics. Despite the contentious language and controversial remarks from some of the speakers, the event drew a large and enthusiastic crowd that cheered on the former president and his allies. As the election drew closer, Trump used the opportunity to energize his base, criticize his opponents, and make a strong case for his candidacy, setting the stage for a competitive and heated election season in the days to come.
