NEW YORK — Thousands of people from across the New York area and other parts of the country descended on Madison Square Garden in New York on Sunday afternoon for former President Donald Trump’s campaign rally.
The New York Police Department said they had drones above the area, robots and a helicopter, as well as counterterrorism units outside monitoring the situation to ensure everyone’s safety.
With just nine days until Election Day, a new CBS News poll places the two presidential candidates neck and neck, with Vice President Kamala Harris at 50% and Trump at 49% among likely voters. In battleground states, both polls are at 50%.
The respective campaigns focused on issues such as immigration, the war between Israel and Hamas and crime.
Trump, JD Vance, Elon Musk and Melania Trump spoke out
Sunday’s rally marked a detour from battleground states for Trump. When Trump entered the arena, there was applause, a standing ovation and the crowd began chanting. Every seat seemed occupied, from the floor to the highest sections.
In his remarks, Trump called Vice President Kamala Harris a “trainwreck” and said electing her would “put the lives of millions of people at stake.”
His speech included familiar campaign lines on immigration, his eviction planscrime, the border and the economy.
“We will quickly defeat inflation and very simply make America affordable again,” Trump said.
“And you know who I want to thank? [New York City] Mayor [Eric] Adams, because Mayor Adams was treated pretty badly. You know, when he said this whole thing with the migrants coming to New York, it’s just not sustainable. I said, well, he’s going to be charged by these crazy people. A year later, he was indicted,” Trump said.
He also released a video montage including stories of migrants who were part of gangs who allegedly committed violent crimes across the country.
“It’s called Trend de agua, but now they’ve even taken over Times Square. On day one, I will launch the largest deportation program in American history to get the criminals out.”
Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images
Among those who took the stage before the former president spoke was vice presidential candidate JD Vance and his billionaire supporter. Elon Musk.
To everyone’s surprise, Melania Trump also appeared and introduced her husband. It was her first public political speech this campaign cycle and the first time she introduced her husband at an event this cycle. Mrs. Trump has largely stayed away from the campaign trail this year, appearing with her husband only a handful of times during Trump’s third presidential campaign.
Other speakers included Robert F. Kennedy Jr.former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani, television personality Dr. Phil McGraw, Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, Trump’s sons Eric and Donald Jr., wrestler Hulk Hogan and Staten Island activist Scott LoBaido.
“President Trump grew up here. He’s a New Yorker,” Giuliani said. “That’s why people are a little annoyed with him. He says what he thinks.”
Michael M Santiago/Getty Images / Getty Images
Trump supporters rejoice in former president’s appearance
The former president is from Queens. CBS News New York met with supporters from his home district, as well as a few Chicagoans and others from the New York area.
“I love him, and he’s the best. I want the economy to improve,” one woman said.
“We have an influx of migrants, illegal immigrants. Our economy is…just go to the grocery store,” added a Dutchess County man.
“It showcases everything I want to see happen in our country and in New York,” said Queens resident Yvonne Coste.
“America needs common sense. Donald Trump can give it to us like you did four years ago,” another person said.
Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman was one of several Long Island officials who came to the garden in Trump’s motorcade.
New York hasn’t voted for a Republican for president in 40 years, but Republican delegates said they hoped Sunday’s rally would help change that.
“Look around you. It’s incredible. We’re in New York, in the middle, you know, it’s liberal… one of the most liberal cities in the country, and it’s incredible,” said Inna, New York city councilor. » said Vernikov.
“There is no better place to showcase the contracts, the positions, the proposals that will secure our border,” said Staten Island Rep. Nicole Malliotakis.
Vulgar language during presentations
Before Trump took the stage, there was vulgar language in the speeches. Comedian Tony Hinchcliffe, nicknamed Kill Tony, made a crude joke calling Puerto Rico a “floating island of garbage” and made other offensive jokes about blacks and Latinos.
Trump senior adviser Danielle Alvarez told CBS News of the Puerto Rico comment: “This joke does not reflect the views of President Trump or the campaign,” and the campaign said the jokes did not not been reviewed or pre-approved.
Sid Rosenberg, a radio host with whom Trump speaks often, called Hillary Clinton a “sick son of a bitch” and referred to migrants as “fucking illegals.”
David Rem, a childhood friend of Trump, called Harris the “antichrist.”
Business owner Grant Cardone said Harris “and his pimps would destroy the country.”
Mayor Adams then took to X, formerly known as Twitter, and denounced the vulgar language.
“The hateful language that was used by some at today’s rally at Madison Square Garden was completely unacceptable. No matter who says it, hate is hate and there is no place for it in our city, we must always stand up against racism,” Adams said.
Lisa Rozner
