Former U.S. President Donald Trump, the Republican presidential nominee, held a high-profile rally at Madison Square Garden in New York City on Sunday to commence the final full week of his presidential campaign. The event featured celebrity appearances and the announcement of a new economic proposal. However, the rally was overshadowed by controversial remarks from guest speakers, which included insults that were at times racist and misogynistic.
The period leading up to an election typically sees candidates trying to unite voters, but Trump’s rally was characterized by crude language and disparaging jokes about Latinos and women. This approach may attract media attention and energize certain segments of his existing supporter base, but it is unlikely to appeal to voters who are already disenchanted with his rhetoric.
Comedian Tony Hinchcliffe, the first speaker at the rally, initiated proceedings with a joke about Latinos that some found offensive. His set included inappropriate remarks about Puerto Ricans and a derogatory comment comparing Kansas City Chiefs player Travis Kelce to O.J. Simpson. Kelce is currently in a relationship with singer Taylor Swift, who has previously expressed support for Vice President Kamala Harris.
Anti-immigrant sentiment has been a recurring theme in Trump’s campaign rhetoric. During his presidency, he suggested ending birthright citizenship for babies born in the U.S. to noncitizens, a measure many scholars argue would necessitate a constitutional amendment.
The Trump campaign continues to vie for the support of women and Latino voters, even as recent polls indicate a significant gender gap in the upcoming election. Meanwhile, Harris’ campaign is focusing on women’s issues, particularly those endangered by restrictive abortion laws. Following the rally, Harris’ campaign criticized Hinchcliffe’s derogatory comments about Puerto Rico, prompting his retort that critics lacked humor.
Several high-profile Trump supporters were in attendance at the rally, including wrestler Hulk Hogan, TV personality Dr. Phil McGraw, and singer Lee Greenwood. Nonetheless, other Trump allies at the event amplified divisive sentiments. Radio host Sid Rosenberg attacked the Democratic Party, labeling its members in derogatory terms. Private equity fund manager Grant Cardone also insulted Vice President Harris, while commentator Tucker Carlson mocked her racial background.
In his speech, Trump reiterated his economic stance, criticizing the inflation experienced under the Biden administration and vowing to address it. He unveiled a new policy initiative proposing a tax credit for individuals caring for family members at home. This comes in contrast to Harris’ recent proposal to expand Medicare to support such caregiving. Trump also focused a large part of his address on the issue of undocumented immigration, pledging to end what he termed as a “migrant invasion” and restore the country.
Addressing a recent interview where he had labeled “radical left lunatics” as a domestic threat and proposed military action against them, Trump reaffirmed his views. Despite these statements, he attempted to close his speech with a call for unity, claiming the Republican party is becoming more inclusive.
The report includes contributions from NPR’s Stephen Fowler.