Donald Trump set to hold a rare rally in Bronx aimed at wooing non-White crowd in deep blue territory

BRONX, NEW YORK CITY: Donald Trump is set to hold a rare rally in South Bronx where President Joe Biden secured a decisive victory in the 2020 election.

The event on Thursday, May 23, is part of the former president's strategy for the upcoming November election that includes campaign stops in traditionally blue states, following his visit in New Jersey and Minnesota.

Strategists say Donald Trump focuses on building a massive event in the Bronx

Political strategists suggested that Trump's Bronx rally is less about trying to flip the heavily Democratic New York in November and the main focus is about demonstrating his ability to draw large crowds in unexpected areas.

Alex Conant, who has served for several GOP campaigns, said, “I think having an event in New Jersey, New York, it’s convenient."

“And these are also areas that aren’t used to having Trump rallies, so they can build really big crowds. There might be more Democrats than Republicans, but there’s still a ton of Republicans who are going to build out a massive event,” he added. 

Republican strategist Ford O'Connell claimed that if Trump "generates a lot of enthusiasm at this rally and you get good press coverage, the Biden campaign cannot be happy about that."

“It’s to show the Biden campaign is on the defensive," he added, reported The Hill.

Donald Trump's Bronx rally

Scheduled for Thursday evening, May 23, in Crotona Park, the former president's campaign stated that the focus will address issues including the financial strain the Biden administration has placed on New Yorkers and the rise in crime.

Campaign spokesperson Karoline Leavitt stated, “The Empire State, a place near to President Trump’s heart, has been decimated by Biden."

“President Trump will ease the financial pressures placed on households and re-establish law and order in New York," she added.

Bronx residents ready to welcome Donald Trump with 'open arms'

Ahead of Trump's visit to the Bronx, New Yorkers have expressed their enthusiasm for the former president's visit and also their disappointment with Biden's leadership.

Rev Ruben Diaz Sr, president of New York's Hispanic Clergy Association said, "Senior citizens cannot walk down the street. Our children are being killed. When you go to a grocery store, you can't even buy anything anymore."

"I’m a Democrat. All my life I've been a Democrat, but Democrats have used us and abused us, they think that they own us. Donald Trump is giving us an opportunity," he told Fox News.

Another resident told the outlet, "Everyone needs help. People need housing. Instead of giving migrants and everybody that's coming from other countries help, we're here. We're Americans. Give us some help," adding that the former president will be welcomed with "open arms."

Explaining that Trump's visit to the Bronx will impart a mixed feeling, another resident said, "I can tell you that the Bronx has been through many changes, everything was getting back on track, and now everything is falling apart again."