Donald Trump, in his first outdoor rally since surviving an attempted assassination in Pennsylvania last month, launched a scathing attack against Vice President Kamala Harris’ approach to national security. Speaking from a podium surrounded by bulletproof glass at the North Carolina Aviation Museum & Hall of Fame, Trump blamed the current White House for the deadly Afghanistan withdrawal, wars between Russia and Ukraine, and between Israel and Hamas. He claimed that Harris and President Joe Biden have marched the world to the brink of World War III.
Trump’s rally was part of his week-long series of counterprogramming to the Democratic National Convention, which is underway in Chicago. Despite urging from allies to focus on policy instead of personal attacks, Trump remained critical of Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz. Trump’s running mate, JD Vance, also joined him on stage and cast Harris as a candidate selected by power brokers instead of voters, while attacking Walz for his service record as an Army National Guard member.
The event was attended by hundreds of Trump supporters, who gathered around the podium surrounded by panes of bulletproof glass. Snipers were positioned on roofs at the venue, which was transformed into a makeshift fortress with storage containers stacked around the perimeter. Trump’s appearance in North Carolina is significant, as the state is a battleground in the 2024 presidential election.
Donald Trump (Image via Getty)
Trump’s rally marks a shift in his campaign strategy, as he appears to be focusing more on national security issues rather than personal attacks. However, his speech was still peppered with criticism of Harris, whom he described as a candidate who is not prepared to run the country. Despite this, Trump’s supporters were fired up and enthusiastic, with many praising his leadership and attacking Harris’ record.
One supporter, Lisa Watts, a retired business owner from Hickory, North Carolina, attended her fifth Trump rally and said she was feeling “very positive” about the race. She praised Trump’s leadership and criticized Harris’ record, saying that she does not believe the vice president is ready to run the country. Another supporter, who preferred to remain anonymous, said that Trump’s chances of winning the election are improving, despite the hype surrounding Harris’ candidacy.
Trump’s rally in North Carolina was a high-energy event that showcased his ability to rally his base and attack his opponents with passion and conviction. Whether this strategy will pay off in the election remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Trump remains a force to be reckoned with on the campaign trail.
