Former President Donald Trump is gearing up for rallies in California and Colorado, two states with a long history of voting Democratic. California hasn’t sided with a Republican since George H.W. Bush in 1988, while Colorado last went red in 2004 under George W. Bush.
Despite these states leaning heavily blue, Trump announced on Monday that he’ll be holding rallies in Aurora, Colorado, on Friday and Coachella, California, on Saturday.
Dr. Thomas Gift, an Associate Professor of Political Science at University College London, suggested that Trump’s rallies may serve more as a symbolic gesture rather than a genuine attempt to sway these states.
By visiting, Trump can target California, portraying it as a prime example of the problems he attributes to the Democratic leadership, such as high taxes, excessive regulations, immigration issues, rising crime, and soaring living costs.
Furthermore, it’s an opportunity for Trump to reiterate his criticisms of Vice President Kamala Harris, given her background in California politics. He aims to make a point about her record, positioning himself as the candidate with the right solutions for all Americans.
Trump has repeatedly slammed California for its governance, focusing on its tax policies and diverse immigration stance. During a recent press conference at his California golf course, Trump remarked on the state’s challenges, stating, “It’s very sad when I have to stand out here on my property and say how bad California is.”
In Colorado, Trump plans to address issues related to crime and immigration, specifically referencing the Tren de Aragua gang that has received attention due to its alleged involvement in violent crimes. This includes the tragic case of 12-year-old Jocelyn Nungaray, linked to illegal immigrants charged with her murder.
His rally announcement emphasized the crisis at the border and called for serious measures, asserting that Kamala Harris’s policies have affected families in Colorado as well, suggesting that electing him is key to restoring safety and order.