8 key moments from Trump’s Bronx rally: From his ‘pants’ comment to sharing stage with indicted rappers
8 moments from Trump's historic Bronx rally: Massive turnout, claims about Hamas hostages and more
Former President Donald Trump headed to the Bronx in the heavily Democratic New York on Thursday, May 23, hoping to woo the non-White crowd. This is the first time the MAGA spearhead staged a rally in New York City in eight years. President Joe Biden won the Empire State in 2020, securing around 60% of the votes. However, Trump successfully lured a massive crowd to the Bronx's Crotona Park rally. Here are eight moments from the historic rally.
1. Crowd size at Trump's Bronx rally
Trump's rally in the Bronx, a city in the deep-blue New York state, amassed around 8000 to 10,000 attendees, said law enforcement officials to the New York Post. However, the campaign staffers noted that around 10,000 were part of the rally crowd in Crotona Park, where permission was limited to 3500 people. The outlet reported that the Trump campaign's senior adviser, Chris LaCivita, earlier said that 20,000 people RSVPed for the event.
2. Trump claims migrants are 'building an army'
Trump doubled down on his anti-immigrant rhetoric, accusing the illegal immigrants coming to the US of "building an army." Pointing at the migrant's physical fitness, age between 19 and 25, and being male, he claimed they were of "fighting age". "I think they're building an army. I think -- they want to get us from within," Trump said, adding that they had something in mind.
3. Trump pauses rally for sick person in the audience
Trump briefly paused his prolonged remarks about his family after spotting a sick person near the stage. "Doctor in the house?" the former president asked before standing away from the microphone. He further inquired whether the person, a female, was doing alright. After ensuring she was OK, Trump continued his speech, slamming the Democrats on "impeachment hoax number one".
4. Trump claims most 'Hamas hostages are probably dead'
The 45th President made a shocking remark about the hostages held by Hamas while addressing the crowd at the Bronx rally. He told the massive gathering that the nearly 130 hostages who are at present believed to be captives of Hamas "are probably dead". Trump added that the October 7 attack would not have occurred "if the [2020] election hadn't been rigged."
5. Trump touts Republican party as 'party of common sense'
Trump did not forget to praise the GOP. Speaking about the various projects he launched in the city, like the Wollman Rink in Central Park, the ex-POTUS said, "The Republican Party is the party of common sense." He added, "You don't go to Florida when you want to make ice, you go to Canada."
6. Trump slams Biden for not getting anything done in the Bronx
Trump lashed out at his successor, President Biden, accusing him of doing nothing for the Bronx. He said the incumbent was "not getting the job done for the Bronx" and was "not getting the job done for New York." The real estate mogul went on to list the issues concerning the city, like "migrants fighting cops and giving America the middle finger".
7. Trump claims people ask him how he wears his pants
Trump came up with a bizarre remark about him wearing pants. Reminiscing his earlier life during his business career, the ex-president talked about how he enjoyed waking up in the mornings. He claimed that the "toughest business people" used to ask him, "'How do you get up in the morning and put your pants on? Why do you put the pants on?'" However, Trump did not detail his pants reference and said he would explain it someday.
8. Trump shares stage with rappers charged in felony gang case
Two Brooklyn rappers, Sheff G, and Sleepy Hallow, joined Trump on stage during the Bronx rally. Their appearance made headlines due to their indictment in a murder conspiracy and their alleged connection to the 8 Trey Crips and 9 Ways gangs. The rappers on bail publicly announced their support for the former president. Trump shook their hands and said, "I appreciate it. Thank you."
