October 27, 2024
NEW YORK CITY — Former President Donald Trump drew a massive crowd to New York’s Madison Square Garden on Sunday evening for a rally that resonated deeply with supporters. In his speech, Trump criticized the Biden-Harris administration’s handling of border security, immigration, and economic policies, while pledging significant reforms that he claimed would “Make America Great Again.” The rally, a notable event for the Republican frontrunner, marked one of the first campaign stops in the deep-blue Northeast, drawing thousands eager to hear his vision for the future.
The first-come, first-serve rally, with Madison Square Garden’s 19,500-seat capacity, sold out within hours of its announcement. Despite the large turnout, Trump Jr. claimed that nearly 200,000 people had attempted to gain entry. Supporters from across the state and surrounding areas flooded into the iconic venue, waving flags, wearing MAGA hats, and chanting “USA!” in anticipation of Trump’s address.
Trump Takes Aim at Immigration Crisis and “Egregious Betrayal” by Kamala Harris
As Trump arrived on the stage shortly after 7 p.m., he quickly launched into one of his primary topics: the immigration crisis. His promises to guard the U.S. border and end crime elicited applause when he declared: “I’m hereby calling for the death penalty for any migrant that kills an American citizen or a law enforcement officer.” He also said he would use the ‘Alien Enemies Act of 1798’ to immediately deport “vicious and bloodthirsty criminals” of migrant gangs such as Venezuela’s Tren de Aragua and the MS-13. “We will put these vicious criminals in jail, and we’re going to kick them the hell out of our country as fast as possible,” Trump declared, to thunderous applause.
The most direct attack by Trump was against Vice President Kamala Harris who he accused of planning “the most egregious betrayal that any leader in American history has ever inflicted upon our people.” He claimed that Harris’s immigration agenda had opened the borders of the US to crime and instability, “She has violated her oath, eradicated our sovereign border, and unleashed an army of migrant gangs who are waging a campaign of violence and terror against our citizens.”
Trump also promised to immediately ban sanctuary cities throughout the country once he is elected. These policies promote crime, he asserted, by creating refuges for illegal immigrants, a claim that was met with shouts of “Build the wall!” from the crowd.
High-Profile Guests and Key Supporters
Ahead of Trump’s remarks, several prominent figures made appearances, further energizing the crowd. Former First Lady Melania Trump, who rarely speaks publicly, introduced her husband with a call for unity and strength. “Envision a wonderful America where the seeds of security, prosperity, and health are sown once again for the benefit of our families,” she said, before introducing Trump. Her call to action stirred the crowd, with many waving flags and holding up signs bearing the slogan “America First.”
Other notable speakers included tech billionaire Elon Musk, UFC president Dana White, and pro wrestler Hulk Hogan, all of whom spoke in support of Trump’s vision and policies. Musk, who is himself an outspoken figure, showed up in an all-black MAGA hat — which he joked was “dark gothic MAGA.” Musk assured us he would be working with the Trump administration to reduce government spending should he be hired in the future, saying, “If Trump appoints me, I’ll be Secretary of Cost-Cutting.” His presence underscored Trump’s appeal to a broad spectrum of political figures who have been angry at the current administration.
Both Trump’s running mate Senator JD Vance and Robert F Kennedy Jr, who backed Trump after pulling out of the Democratic race, spoke to the crowd. Kennedy lashed out at the Democratic Party: “The Democratic Party is now the party of the CIA, Wall Street, and people like Bill Gates who would rather control us than empower us.” He further accused the party of pushing divisive policies, particularly those affecting women’s sports.
Trump’s Economic Vision: “Make America Affordable Again”
Trump devoted much of his speech to his economic vision, which he said would provide immediate relief for Americans facing costly prices. “I will terminate the ‘green new scam,’” he announced, referring to Biden’s environmental policies, which he said have driven up energy costs and hurt American families. “We’ll cut your energy prices in half, 50%, within one year from January 20th,” he pledged, pointing to the press section and asking, “Is the fake news hearing that?”
Trump also touched on inflation, a major problem in the economy over the past few years. His administration would lower costs immediately, he told the crowd, and he would “rapidly defeat inflation and make America affordable again.” He promised tax cuts, including ending taxes on tips, overtime and seniors’ Social Security benefits. “We’re going to have no tax on tips, no tax on overtime, and no tax on Social Security benefits,” he said, to a standing ovation.
In addition, Trump spoke of massive relief for small businesses saying that under his watch “we will massively cut taxes for workers and small businesses, giving them the freedom to grow and prosper.”
Trump’s Message of Inclusion and a Unified “America First” Movement
In a moment that highlighted his broader appeal, Trump emphasized that his movement is attracting a diverse base of support. “Jews, Muslims, Catholics, evangelicals, Mormons—they’re all joining our cause in large numbers, larger than anyone has ever seen in this country before,” he said. The phrase was met with applause from the audience, some of whom waved American flags. “Together, we will lift America to glory beyond your wildest dreams. It’s going to happen fast, too,” he added, underscoring his message of national unity and strength.
It was obvious in the crowd itself how diverse Trump’s supporters were. “There’s so much excitement here. People are ready to pull the lever for Trump.” Alexa Brink, a Westchester native, told reporters. They are going to pull the trigger for Trump.” Anas Shuaib, an Arab American and Muslim voter, explained that he had come to the rally in order to champion Trump’s vision of a safer America. “When Trump becomes president, there’s going to be peace, prosperity, and America first — no one else first,” he said.
Looking Toward Election Day
At the end of the rally, Trump urged his audience to vote on November 5 in one last rallying cry. “We’re running against something far bigger than Joe or Kamala,” he declared, referencing what he called “a massive, vicious, crooked, radical left machine” that, in his words, controls the Democratic Party. “They’re just vessels,” he said, pointing to Biden and Harris. “Together, we are going to defeat them, and we are going to make America great again.”
The Madison Square Garden rally, drawing massive turnout and high-profile endorsements, reinforced Trump’s strong momentum heading into the final days of the campaign. With promises of economic reform, border security, and unity, Trump urged supporters to turn out in record numbers for what he described as “the biggest victory in the history of our country.”
Sources:
- Fox News Digital coverage of the Madison Square Garden rally and speaker lineup.
- Reuters report on Trump’s economic promises and critiques of the Biden-Harris administration.
- The New York Times analysis on immigration policies discussed at the Trump rally.
- The Hill’s report on Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and JD Vance’s endorsements and addresses at the rally.
- CNN live coverage of Trump’s rally, including speeches by Elon Musk and Melania Trump.
- Interviews with rally attendees, published by local New York news outlets.
