The Trump Show: A Star-Studded Rally in New York City

In a high-stakes bid to reclaim his momentum, former President Donald Trump staged a six-hour rally at New York City’s iconic Madison Square Garden on Sunday, nine days ahead of the crucial November 5 election. The event was a calculated gamble in a non-battleground state, where his Democratic challenger, Vice President Kamala Harris, had been gaining traction.

Trump’s $1 million rally, featuring a star-studded lineup of speakers, was designed to make a closing argument and unveil a new policy initiative – a tax credit for caregivers, echoing Harris’s Medicare expansion proposal. However, the real focus was on Trump’s battle with the “radical left machine” that he claimed dominated the Democratic Party.

In a 90-minute speech broadcast live on major cable news networks, Trump outlined his vision for the country, reiterating his calls for stricter immigration laws and mass deportations. He also repeated his criticism of the Democratic Party, labeling them as the “enemy from within.” Trump’s remarks sparked controversy, with some likening his rally to a Nazi event.

Trump was introduced by his wife, Melania Trump, who made a rare appearance on the campaign trail, touting her husband’s policies and praising his leadership. The former first lady also promoted her bestselling memoir, which Trump described as “great.”

The rally featured a diverse range of speakers, including billionaire Elon Musk, who endorsed Trump’s candidacy and called for a decisive victory. Other notable speakers included House Speaker Mike Johnson, Sen. J.D. Vance, and former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, who received a standing ovation despite recent controversies.

Trump’s pre-speech entertainment included a rousing performance by Hulk Hogan, who riffed on the lack of Nazis at the rally. The event also featured a live painting exhibition and advice on anti-bullying from Dr. Phil McGraw.

In a stark contrast to Trump’s rally, Vice President Harris held a separate event in Philadelphia, where she unveiled her plan for Puerto Rico and addressed a pro-Palestinian protester who briefly interrupted her speech. Harris called on her supporters to mobilize over the next nine days, warning that “no one is sitting on the sidelines.”