Former US President Donald Trump’s final campaign rally at Madison Square Garden in New York City on Sunday night aimed to deliver a powerful closing message to voters ahead of Election Day. However, the event ignited controversy due to offensive remarks and divisive rhetoric from his allies, adding fuel to the already heated political climate.
The rally, held just over a week before voters head to the polls, was marred by a series of racially charged comments, with speakers making derogatory statements about Puerto Rico and Vice President Kamala Harris. Stand-up comedian Tony Hinchcliffe sparked widespread backlash after he referred to Puerto Rico as a “floating island of garbage,” comparing the US territory to the infamous Pacific Ocean garbage patch. While the Trump campaign distanced itself from Hinchcliffe’s comments, stating that the joke did not reflect the views of President Trump or the campaign, the damage was already done.
Despite the controversy, the rally attracted a diverse crowd of Trump supporters, including high-profile figures from the entertainment and political spheres. Former professional wrestler Hulk Hogan, TV personality Dr. Phil McGraw, and former Fox News host Tucker Carlson made appearances, adding a layer of celebrity to the event. Republican politicians like House Speaker Mike Johnson and Representatives Byron Donalds and Elise Stefanik also joined the throng, underscoring the unwavering support for Trump within the party.
In a rare appearance, Melania Trump took the stage to introduce her husband, who opened his speech with his signature question: “Are you better off now than you were four years ago?” The crowd responded with a resounding “No!” Trump framed the election as a crucial choice, asserting that the country faces a stark decision between “four more years of gross incompetence and failure” or the start of “the greatest years in the history of our country.”
Focusing on domestic issues, Trump unveiled a new policy proposal: a tax credit for family caregivers. This proposal was aimed at appealing to older adults and blue-collar workers, potentially swaying key voter demographics. The proposed credit was added to Trump’s existing tax platform, which includes promises to eliminate taxes on Social Security benefits, tips, and overtime pay.
Turning to his well-known stances on foreign policy and immigration, Trump reiterated his hardline approach. He advocated for the death penalty for any migrant convicted of killing a US citizen and pledged to end “the migrant invasion” on his first day in office. As his speech stretched towards an hour, however, some attendees began to leave the venue, perhaps exhausted by the relentless barrage of familiar themes and promises.
Elon Musk, the tech billionaire whose companies like Tesla and SpaceX hold substantial government contracts, played a prominent role in Trump’s campaign message, garnering praise from the former president as a “genius”. Musk, who has faced criticism for his interactions with foreign leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, stood on stage in support of Trump’s proposed commission, stating, “Your money is being wasted, and the department of government efficiency is going to fix that.”
Meanwhile, in a contrasting message, Vice President Kamala Harris, campaigning in Philadelphia on Sunday, visited a Puerto Rican restaurant and shared a video pledging to “invest in Puerto Rico’s future” if elected. Her campaign released a statement condemning Trump’s rally, accusing it of promoting a “dangerously divisive and demeaning message.”
Adding to the criticism, Trump’s former 2016 opponent, Hillary Clinton, also weighed in, accusing Trump of “re-enacting” a 1939 pro-Nazi rally held at Madison Square Garden. These accusations amplified the criticism surrounding the event’s polarizing atmosphere.
As Election Day approaches, Trump’s final rally serves as a stark reminder of the deep divisions that persist in the American political landscape. The contrast between his message and that of his Democratic opponents underscores the high stakes in this election, with the future of the country hanging in the balance.
