Trump leads New York rally as allies attack Harris with vulgar, racist remarks

An illuminated sign announcing the arrival of Donald Trump at Madison Square Garden, October 27, 2024, in New York.

Donald Trump rallied thousands of supporters Sunday at New York’s Madison Square Garden, aiming to energise his base in the Democratic stronghold. Opening speakers at the 20,000-seat venue drew cheers with criticisms of rival Kamala Harris, Puerto Rico and Latinos, marking a fiery campaign push ahead of the election.

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.

“I’d like to begin by asking a very simple question. Are you better off now than you were four years ago?” Trump said at the start of his speech. The crowd shouted: “No.”

He went on to promise that he would stop an "invasion of criminals coming into our country" if he wins the Nov. 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 Jr.

Some of Trump's introductory speakers used racist and misogynistic language in warming up a capacity crowd.

Puerto Rican singer Ricky Martin posted a clip of the comments on his Instagram and wrote, in Spanish, "This is what they think of us."


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