Former President Donald Trump is set to hold a rally in the South Bronx, one of the most Democratic counties in the nation, in an effort to woo minority voters just days before a Manhattan jury begins deliberations in his hush money trial. Trump’s campaign is aiming to draw a crowd of several thousand people at Crotona Park, a diverse and impoverished area where he hopes to make inroads with voters on economic and immigration issues. This rally is part of Trump’s strategy to demonstrate that he is here to represent everyone and get the country back on track, according to Florida Republican Rep. Byron Donalds, a potential running mate for Trump.
Despite facing strong opposition from the Bronx Democratic Party, who have planned their own protest event, Trump’s campaign believes he can make headway among Black and Hispanic voters who may be drawn to his tough-guy persona and frustrated with their economic situations. Trump’s supporters argue that the indictments he faces in New York and elsewhere make him relatable to Black voters who are disillusioned with the criminal justice system. The rally comes during a break in Trump’s trial, with the jury set to decide whether he will be the first former president to be criminally convicted and potentially the first major party presidential candidate to run as a convicted felon.
Several figures in New York politics, both Republican and Democrat, see value in Trump’s visit to the Bronx and other majority Black and Latino communities. They cite the changing political climate, with some voters viewing President Joe Biden as weakened and expressing pessimism about the economy. Despite the overwhelmingly Democratic nature of the Bronx, Trump’s campaign is determined to make a play for the state of New York, which has not supported a Republican for president since Ronald Reagan in 1984. With the support of local leaders like the Rev. Rubén Díaz Sr., Trump’s campaign is hoping to make inroads into communities that feel underserved and overlooked by traditional politicians.
The Bronx has historically been a Democratic stronghold, with high levels of support for Democratic candidates like Barack Obama and Joe Biden. However, Trump’s visit to the borough, which is predominantly non-white and impoverished, marks a departure from his usual rally locations. With a high percentage of Hispanic and Black residents living below the poverty line, Trump’s campaign sees an opportunity to connect with voters who may be disillusioned with the status quo. Trump’s visit to Crotona Park also has historical significance, as it echoes Ronald Reagan’s visit to the South Bronx during the 1980 presidential campaign. Reagan’s visit was met with protests, and it remains to be seen how Trump’s rally will be received by the Bronx community.
While Trump’s rally is expected to draw both supporters and protesters, the chairman of the Black Caucus of the New York Young Republican Club emphasizes Trump’s commitment to the Bronx, where he played as a child. Despite the potential for demonstrations, Trump’s supporters are urging peaceful protests and respectful discourse. The visit to the Bronx highlights the importance of engaging with diverse communities and addressing the concerns of minority voters, who may hold significant sway in future elections. As Trump continues his campaign efforts in New York and beyond, his outreach to minority voters could shape the political landscape in the coming years.
