Former President Donald Trump pulled off a campaign miracle with a wildly successful rally in the South Bronx on Thursday night. The Bronx, known as the poorest borough in New York City, is predominantly populated by black and brown residents who traditionally vote Democrat. Remarkably, Trump managed to draw a massive crowd in an area where no Republican presidential candidate has ventured in decades.
Despite heavy rains flooding the park where the rally was set to be held, Bronx-based Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., prematurely celebrated, believing the weather would deter Trump’s supporters. She even mocked Trump, suggesting he was in the “legal version of an ankle bracelet” and had to rally in the Bronx due to ongoing legal battles. However, the weather cleared, and thousands of enthusiastic supporters filled Crotona Park to hear one of Trump’s most electrifying speeches to date.
CNN reporters were forced to acknowledge the unexpectedly large turnout in one of the bluest counties in the country. Trump, showing remarkable resilience, barely mentioned his ongoing legal issues and instead focused on his love for New York City and the nation. “I was thrilled to be back in the city I grew up in, the city I spent my life in, the city I HELPED BUILD, and the city WE ALL LOVE — THANK YOU!” Trump declared on Truth Social, demonstrating a positive attitude despite the political and legal challenges he faces in the city.
During his hour-and-a-half speech, Trump shared lessons from his New York City real estate success and offered career advice. Local politicians and activists took the stage to announce their endorsements, highlighting growing support for Trump. He emphasized his economic and immigration policies, arguing they would benefit all Americans and appealing directly to black and Hispanic voters who typically vote Democrat. “It doesn’t matter whether you’re black or brown or white or whatever the hell color you are — it doesn’t matter. We are all Americans, and we are going to pull together as Americans!” Trump proclaimed.
In stark contrast, President Joe Biden’s recent speeches have leaned heavily into racial grievance politics. At the National Museum of African American History and Culture, Biden spoke of “forces trying to deny freedom of opportunity for all Americans,” and at the NAACP, he made several inflammatory statements that the White House later had to correct. Biden’s commencement address at Morehouse College painted a bleak picture of America, claiming the country was plagued by “white supremacy” and systemic racism.
Biden’s divisive rhetoric suggests the country is inherently evil and racist, proposing to fix these perceived issues by expanding government spending. In contrast, Trump’s optimistic, inclusive message resonates with many Americans who believe in the nation’s potential and shared identity. The South Bronx rally highlighted Trump’s ability to draw support across ethnic lines and demonstrated the power of his unifying vision for the country. Whether Biden’s race-baiting approach or Trump’s positive, multi-ethnic optimism will prevail remains to be seen, but the rally in the South Bronx showcased the strong appeal of Trump’s message.
