Donald Trump headlines New York rally after vulgar, racist remarks from allies
Donald Trump holds a homecoming rally at Madison Square Garden as the US election campaign heads into final full week
Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump headlined a rally at New York’s Madison Square Garden on Sunday that began with a series of vulgar and racist remarks by allies of the former president.
Trump, a New York celebrity for decades, hoped to use the event at the iconic venue known for Knicks basketball games and Billy Joel concerts to deliver his closing argument against Democratic candidate Kamala Harris, even though the state last backed a Republican presidential candidate in 1984.
After being introduced by his wife, Melania Trump, in a rare public appearance, the former president began by asking the same questions he’s asked at the start of every recent rally: “Are you better off now than you were four years ago?” The crowd responded with a resounding “No!”
He went on to promise that he would stop an “invasion of criminals coming into our country” if he wins the November 5 election, and called Harris a “very low IQ individual”.
The list of at least 20 opening speakers varied widely from former pro wrestler Hulk Hogan to former NY mayor Rudy Giuliani to Trump’s sons Eric and Don Jnr.
Some of Trump’s introductory speakers used racist and misogynistic language in warming up a capacity crowd.
