During Rally Trump Invites Rappers
Donald Trump campaigned before thousands of fans in one of the most heavily Democratic and non-white areas of the US on Thursday, making a bold push to do what his critics believe is unthinkable: win New York in 2024.
The rally in the South Bronx’s Crotona Park drew far more than the anticipated 3,500 attendees. Thousands waited outside the fenced-in area, hoping to catch a glimpse of the 45th president. Worryingly for the Democrats, the rally was packed with Black and Hispanic people—two groups Joe Biden has been accused of taking for granted and who make up most of the local population.
In his hour-and-a-half speech, Trump lamented the decline of New York City and vowed to “make New York City great again.” He emphasized his belief that a New Yorker could lead the country to greatness, saying, “If a New Yorker can’t save this country, no one can.”
Trump’s speech included appearances by rappers Sheff G and Sleepy Hallow, both of whom expressed their support for him. Trump admired Sheff G’s diamond-encrusted teeth, joking that he wanted to get some for himself. The musicians briefly addressed the crowd, with Sheff G stating, “Trump’s gonna shout the wins for all of us,” and Sleepy Hallow adding, “Make America Great Again,” to loud applause.
Vintage Trump as he brings 2 big local NY rappers up on stage at his Bronx Rally. He says he wants a grill for his teeth now. The photoshop jobs we’re about to see are gonna be wild. 😂😂😂 pic.twitter.com/RX0G1bYLrF
— Robby Starbuck (@robbystarbuck) May 24, 2024
However, Trump’s rhetoric took a darker turn when he claimed that immigrants from Africa, the Middle East, and elsewhere were “building an army” to attack Americans “from within.” This drew significant cheers from the crowd, many of whom then chanted, “Build the wall,” echoing Trump’s infamous slogan from his first presidential campaign.
Trump became the first Republican presidential nominee to campaign in the Bronx since Ronald Reagan more than 40 years ago. He reminisced fondly about his time as a real estate mogul in New York before his political career and talked about his efforts to revitalize Central Park’s Wollman Rink.
“Together we are going to make New York City great again,” he said. “Who said we’re not going to win New York? We’re going to win New York!”
Trump’s campaign is focused on chipping away at Biden’s support among Black and Hispanic voters, particularly younger men who are frustrated by their economic situations and drawn to Trump’s tough-guy persona. Recent polls, however, show Biden leading Trump by about nine points in New York.
Supporters in attendance cited the economy, inflation, and illegal immigration as their main concerns, believing that Biden’s performance on these issues would lead more New Yorkers to vote for Trump. Margarita Rosario, a 69-year-old Bronx resident, said she was spurred to attend after seeing Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez on TV suggesting the Bronx wouldn’t support Trump. “How dare she speak for the whole Bronx?” Rosario exclaimed.
Another local, Muhammad Ali, a 50-year-old transportation worker and immigrant from Bangladesh, said he once thought Trump was a racist but now believes Trump is the more patriotic candidate compared to Biden.
Despite the enthusiasm at the rally, Trump’s campaign faces significant challenges. The Bronx Democratic Party organized a counter-protest at the park, with members holding signs that read “The Bronx says no to Trump.” Democratic State Rep. Amanda Septimo criticized Trump, saying, “They talk about the Bronx and everything that’s wrong with it, but they never get to the part that talks about what they’re going to do for the Bronx.”
Trump’s visit comes amidst his Manhattan hush money trial, where he faces 34 felony counts of falsifying business records. While some supporters at the rally expressed indifference towards the trial, focusing instead on Trump’s message and promises.
As the rally concluded, Trump reflected on the warm reception he received in the Bronx, describing it as a “lovefest.” This campaign stop marks a significant and symbolic effort by Trump to make inroads in a deeply Democratic area as he eyes the 2024 election.