Former President Donald Trump held a rally at Madison Square Garden in New York City on Sunday, where he delivered his campaign messages on topics such as immigration, the economy, and national security. This event, held just nine days before Election Day, marked what his campaign described as the beginning of his closing argument. Trump has long wanted to campaign in his hometown venue, a deep-blue area largely seen as unlikely to swing in his favor. Despite this, the campaign strategically chose Madison Square Garden, hoping the significance of the location would resonate with voters beyond New York City.
The rally, attended by a substantial crowd, was overshadowed by controversial and inflammatory remarks made by Trump’s warm-up speakers in the hours leading up to his speech. Speakers included conservative figures who made contentious and racially insensitive comments, particularly targeting minorities and Vice President Kamala Harris. Some comments included derogatory jokes and inflammatory language, sparking backlash from within Trump’s own party.
In his speech, Trump railed against his perceived “enemies from within,” portraying them as a group working against the country’s best interests. He characterized these opponents as both intelligent and ruthless, emphasizing his belief that they posed a serious threat. Trump was also critical of the media, labeling it as “the enemy of the people,” and targeted Vice President Harris, criticizing her intelligence and calling her a “vessel” for opponents.
The remarks made by warm-up speakers garnered significant attention and controversy. Grant Cardone, an influencer and investor, disparaged Harris, labeling her associates as “pimp handlers” and using a middle-finger gesture directed at “the elites.” He urged Trump supporters to turn out in record numbers to ensure a decisive victory, using strong language to underscore his message.
Another speaker, David Rem, a conservative candidate running for New York mayor, echoed sentiments of rally attendees, describing Harris as “the devil” and “the Antichrist.” Conservative media figure Tucker Carlson added to the rhetoric with racially charged remarks, referring to Harris as “the first Samoan Malaysian low IQ former California prosecutor” potentially to ascend to the presidency, referencing her mixed ethnic heritage in a way many found offensive.
The most polarizing comments came from comedian Tony Hinchcliffe, who opened the rally with a routine that included racially insensitive jokes. His jokes included a stereotype about Latinos and a derogatory comment about Puerto Rico. Hinchcliffe’s remarks met with a mix of discomfort and disapproval in the crowd, and within hours, several pro-Trump Republican members of Congress spoke out against his routine. Representatives and senators, especially those with connections to Puerto Rico, publicly condemned Hinchcliffe’s comments as inappropriate and not reflective of their party’s values. The Trump campaign quickly distanced itself from Hinchcliffe’s routine, issuing a statement clarifying that his jokes did not align with Trump’s views.
Despite the backlash, Trump proceeded with his main address, using the platform to present new policy proposals. These included advocating for a tax credit for family caregivers—a direct counter to Harris’s Medicare expansion proposal. Trump also emphasized his immigration stance, suggesting that any immigrant who commits murder in the U.S. should face the death penalty. He further hinted at potential roles for former presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr., an independent who recently endorsed Trump, saying Kennedy would have significant influence over health and food policy in his administration.
Although New York City has not historically been a battleground state, the Trump campaign is exploring unconventional strategies, rallying in areas traditionally seen as Democratic strongholds. Trump has campaigned recently in states like California and Colorado, which are not typically Republican-leaning, and he has plans to hold a rally in Virginia soon. The campaign insists these events serve as high-impact opportunities to share Trump’s message with a national audience.
At the rally, businessman Vivek Ramaswamy, who previously sought the GOP nomination, argued that New York could be a “swing state” in 2024, despite recent election data suggesting otherwise. Biden won New York by a significant margin in 2020, and the state hasn’t voted Republican in a presidential election since Ronald Reagan’s victory in 1984. However, some Republicans noted that recent Democratic victories in New York have been narrower, hinting that Trump could see potential in the state.
The Madison Square Garden rally comes amid heightened tensions, with some Democratic leaders likening it to past controversial events held at the arena, drawing comparisons to historical rallies with extremist undertones. Trump’s former chief of staff, John Kelly, recently described Trump as fitting the definition of a fascist, and Democratic leaders have echoed these concerns. Harris, who has discussed these characterizations in her campaign, expressed alarm over these sentiments. Trump dismissed such comparisons, with prominent figures at the rally refuting the labels. Wrestling star Hulk Hogan, speaking at the event, emphasized the patriotism of Trump supporters and dismissed the notion of extremism, praising the attendees as “real Americans.”
Trump also expressed a desire to impact policy in New York City, stating that he would work closely with both Mayor Eric Adams and Governor Kathy Hochul if elected. He referenced similar ambitions expressed during a Bronx rally earlier in the year, reiterating his goal to effect change in the city. Trump’s long-standing ambition to hold an event at Madison Square Garden reflects his personal connection to the venue, which he acknowledged by recalling his experiences watching New York’s sports teams play there. Trump noted that his appearance at the arena fulfilled a longstanding wish, remarking that “there’s no place like Madison Square Garden.”
