Donald Trump Holds Energetic Campaign Rally in the South Bronx

Donald Trump Holds Energetic Campaign Rally in the South Bronx

Edited by: Fern Sidman

Former President Donald Trump brought his 2024 campaign to the heart of New York City, holding a spirited rally in the South Bronx on Thursday evening. According to a report on Thursday in the New York Post, the event, which took place in Crotona Park, was marked by fervent supporters and a high-energy atmosphere reminiscent of past Trump campaign events.

The rally commenced at 6 p.m. under the evening skies of Crotona Park, with the Trump campaign securing a permit for up to 3,500 attendees. As the crowd filtered through security checkpoints, the excitement was palpable. As was reported by The Post, the park, known for its diverse community, transformed into a sea of red “Make America Great Again” hats and patriotic paraphernalia.

Prior to Trump’s arrival, Rep. Byron Donalds (R-Fla.) took the stage to warm up the crowd. Born in Brooklyn, Donalds brought a local connection to the event, tossing red MAGA hats into the enthusiastic audience. “Word is, Donald J. Trump will be here in a couple of minutes,” he announced, heightening the anticipation.

The crowd’s energy surged as Donalds addressed various topics, including illegal immigration. The Post reported that some attendees chanted, “Send them back!” while others echoed the politically charged slogan, “F— Joe Biden!” In response, Donalds reminded the crowd to keep the event respectful, saying, “Whoa, whoa, whoa, this is a family affair.”

The former president finally took the stage to the familiar strains of Lee Greenwood’s “God Bless The USA,” a staple at Trump rallies that always evokes a strong emotional response from his supporters. The crowd erupted in applause and cheers, waving flags and banners.

The rally saw a significant turnout, with Trump campaign senior adviser Chris LaCivita telling the New York Post that 20,000 people had RSVPed for the event. As Trump took the stage, the crowd continued to grow, with people running towards the stage to secure a spot. The report in the Post said that sespite the rally’s permit capping attendance at 3,500, Trump claimed there were thousands more outside trying to get in. “They’ll get in eventually,” he assured, though it was uncertain how many would make it through the security checkpoint.

The atmosphere at Crotona Park was electric, with attendees displaying a mix of excitement and urgency. The crowd’s response to Trump’s remarks was enthusiastic, reflecting the strong support he continues to enjoy. The event was characterized by a festive yet defiant spirit, with chants and cheers punctuating Trump’s speech.

Trump’s speech, filled with his characteristic flair and directness, covered a range of topics from national security to his administration’s achievements. The information in The Post report indicated that in  classic Trump fashion, he engaged with the crowd, often deviating from his prepared remarks. At one point, he asked, “You think Biden goes off teleprompter? He’s no good on teleprompter.”

Trump’s speech featured an extensive discourse on the projects he undertook in New York City, particularly the Wollman Rink in Central Park. The Post reported that he touted his success in refurbishing the rink, a project he completed ahead of schedule and under budget in the 1980s. “The Republican Party is the party of common sense,” Trump declared. “You don’t go to Florida when you want to make ice, you go to Canada.”

He also recounted the “Ferry Point drama,” a reference to his efforts to maintain control over the Ferry Point golf course in the Bronx. The report in the Post observed that this narrative served as a segue into broader themes of his speech, emphasizing his business acumen and commitment to fighting bureaucracy.

Transitioning from personal anecdotes, Trump turned his focus to a scathing critique of President Joe Biden and his administration. Indicated in the Post report was that he asserted that Biden is “not getting the job done for the Bronx” and “not getting the job done for New York.” Trump went on to list a series of problems plaguing the city, from rising crime rates to the challenges posed by an influx of migrants. He specifically pointed out instances of “migrants fighting cops and giving America the middle finger,” painting a picture of a city in crisis under Democratic leadership.

Paget Jones traveled from Harlem to the Bronx, driven by her belief in Trump’s leadership and his ability to win not just the presidency, but also historically blue states like New York. Speaking to The New York Post, Jones shared her optimism and faith in Trump’s comeback. “I believe in Trump. Trump is going to win the presidency. He’s going to win New York,” she declared.

Jones articulated to The Post a sense of kinship with Trump, emphasizing his resilience and tenacity. “The fact that I like Trump and why a lot of black people are out here in the Bronx for Trump is because Trump is a fighter. Trump has that God factor. They prosecuted him, they lied about him!” Her words resonated with many in the crowd who see Trump as a figure who has endured and overcome substantial adversity.

In a striking comparison, Jones likened Trump to Nelson Mandela, suggesting that Trump’s battles with legal and political adversaries mirrored Mandela’s struggles. “He represents us, the blacks in this city and in the world. He’s a real Nelson Mandela. He’s like the real Nelson Mandela. They fought him, they put him in jail and he came back,” she told The Post. This analogy highlights the depth of Jones’s admiration for Trump and her belief in his ability to lead and inspire.

Jones expressed confidence that Trump’s message is resonating with minorities in New York. “The minorities of New York, they’re coming around. He definitely represents that vote,” she insisted, when speaking with The Post. Her perspective suggests a shifting dynamic where traditional political allegiances are being reevaluated in light of Trump’s appeal to a broader and more diverse electorate.

The attendance of Jones and others at the rally indicates a notable undercurrent of support for Trump within communities that have historically leaned Democratic. This shift, if more widely representative, could signal significant changes in voter behavior and the political landscape of New York.

Trump’s ability to draw such a diverse crowd to the South Bronx rally highlights his continued influence and the potent connection he maintains with his supporters. It also suggests that his message of resilience, economic opportunity, and strong leadership is resonating across different demographic groups.