Former President Donald Trump held a campaign rally at Madison Square Garden (MSG) on Sunday, showcasing a mix of familiar themes and key supporters as he gears up for next week’s election.
Taking the stage at 7:15 p.m. EDT, Trump revisited his campaign goals, including tackling inflation and making America financially accessible through substantial tax cuts, notably eliminating taxes on tips, overtime, and Social Security benefits.
He unveiled a new policy proposal aimed at providing tax credits for caregivers who support family members, emphasizing that these individuals have long been overlooked.
While Trump has reiterated his commitment to eliminating various taxes if elected, he has not clarified how these proposals would be funded without risking a significant budget deficit.
Trump also asserted that he is leading in all swing states. However, recent data from polling site FiveThirtyEight shows him and Vice President Kamala Harris are nearly tied in crucial battlegrounds like Wisconsin, Nevada, Pennsylvania, and Michigan. Trump maintains a narrow edge in North Carolina, Georgia, and Arizona.
During his speech, he echoed invalid claims regarding the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), alleging it had depleted its funds for hurricane victims in the Southeast, affecting states like North Carolina and Florida.
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The event opened with several notable guests, including family members, Elon Musk, Dr. Phil, and a rare appearance by former First Lady Melania Trump.
Melania praised Trump supporters, referring to them as “the heartbeat of this great metropolis,” and highlighted the challenges of living in New York City amidst rising crime. She declared that the city needed to reclaim its “magic.”
In a light-hearted moment, Trump promoted Melania’s new book while admitting to feeling “nervous” about its release, adding that it has climbed to the top of The New York Times bestseller list.
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After Musk’s brief remarks urging Trump supporters to “sweep” both swing and non-swing states, Donald Trump Jr. took the stage, praising his father’s contributions to New York City and sharing a personal anecdote about paying $48 for McDonald’s during a fishing trip due to inflation.
Earlier in the evening, Senate Republican Vice President nominee JD Vance also cast doubt on whether Harris has ever worked at McDonald’s, a topic she has discussed frequently throughout her campaign.