Former President Donald Trump made a notable appearance in California’s Coachella Valley this Saturday, attracting thousands of supporters in an area strongly leaning Democratic.
The rally, held at Calhoun Ranch near Coachella and Indio, showcased Trump’s tactics as he gears up to challenge Vice President Kamala Harris in her own territory as the upcoming election approaches.
Trump took to the stage at 5:30 p.m. PST, slightly delayed, as Lee Greenwood’s “God Bless the U.S.A.” played. While he rallied in California, Harris was absent, focusing instead on North Carolina where she engaged with Black community leaders and attended hurricane relief events.
Addressing a crowd estimated by the Riverside County Fire Marshal to be around 15,000, Trump dove right into his speech while the temperature soared above 95 degrees. He humorously polled the audience about wearing his iconic “Make America Great Again” hat or showcasing his hair, ultimately opting for the cap for comfort, stating, “That sun is hot!”
Focusing on Immigration
Immigration and border security were the main themes of Trump’s speech. He emphasized the border crisis as the nation’s top challenge, trumping economic issues in his view.
“The border is number one; what they’ve done to our country is unbelievable,” he stated, criticizing the current administration’s immigration policies. Trump reiterated his controversial “Aurora” mass deportation plan, promising decisive action on immigration if elected.
He declared, “I will rescue Coachella and every town that has been invaded,” portraying Election Day as a pivotal moment for America. Trump’s plan involves deploying “elite squads” from federal agencies for swift immigration enforcement and includes advocating for harsh penalties for undocumented migrants involved in serious crimes.
California’s Environmental Policies Under Fire
Trump also targeted California’s environmental initiatives, specifically the state’s goal to phase out gas-powered vehicles by 2035, calling it an “insane electric vehicle mandate.” He pledged to counter this plan but didn’t specify how.
Questioning the state’s energy reliability, he remarked, “Isn’t it crazy you have brownouts and blackouts every weekend?” While he affirmed his support for electric vehicles, he suggested they cater to a niche market.
Distorted Claims about Wars and Taxes
Throughout his speech, Trump made several misleading assertions. He claimed there were no wars during his presidency, neglecting actual conflicts like the situation in Ukraine. He also inaccurately stated that his administration enacted the largest tax cut in U.S. history, when it actually ranks as the eighth largest since 1918 according to a 2017 analysis.
Hollywood Endorsements
The rally included notable appearances from celebrities like actor Dennis Quaid, who received a warm welcome from the MAGA crowd. Quaid drew comparisons between Reagan and Trump, advocating for Trump’s policies.
“It’s time to pick a side,” Quaid urged, emphasizing the choice between upholding the Constitution or succumbing to social media trends. He shared a personal story about helping an undocumented immigrant gain legal status, underscoring his support for Trump.
Trump’s Prospects in California
Trump’s visit underscores California’s electoral importance, despite its Democratic stronghold. The state boasts 5.5 million registered Republican voters, making it crucial for GOP fundraising and support.
Although recent University of California Berkeley polling shows Harris leading Trump by 22 points statewide, the race tightens in areas like the Inland Empire, where Trump trails by only two points, fitting within the margin of error.
