Trump’s latest stop in dark-blue Philadelphia comes shortly after rallies in historically Democrat New Jersey and The Bronx, New York.
Former President Trump ventured into Philadelphia Saturday to hold a rally in Temple University’s Liacorus Center. Supporters of Trump packed into the lower bowl of the 10,200-person capacity arena surrounded by video boards claiming, ‘Philadelphia is Trump Country.’
This wasn’t the first time Trump has been in Philadelphia this cycle, following his speech at Sneaker Con in February, but this was Trump’s first official campaign rally held in the city.
Before the rally, Trump made an unexpected campaign stop at Tony and Nick’s Steaks in South Philadelphia. The former President ordered 200 steaks and left a $500 tip. Just recently the Trump campaign made a policy position that tips for service workers should go untaxed, something the owner of the establishment fully supported.
“People put tips in our jar, you know, and then to tax those tips that these poor people live day-by-day is a joke. I mean, what else do you want to tax? It’s crazy,” said owner Nicky Lucidonio.
Organized protest activity was surprisingly light for an event held in a Democrat-heavy city. As supporters of the former President filed into the Liacourous center a few men, including one in a San Francisco 49ers jersey, were seen accosting them and telling them to go back to where they came from.
Trump spent the majority of his speech slamming President Joe Biden for the deterioration of cities like Philadelphia which is being caused by Biden’s weakness on crime and immigration.
“Under crooked Joe, the city of brotherly love is being ravaged by bloodshed and crime,” before continuing, “With your vote, Joe Biden’s wave of bedlam and death and terror will begin to recede the moment I take the oath of office.”
Trump dug into the issue of immigration, pointing out that the family of Rachel Morizin – a Maryland woman who was murdered last year on a hiking trail by an illegal immigrant – were in attendance.
“And a lot of Rachel’s family is here. I have to say that they’re incredible people,” said Trump before, adding “they’ve gone through hell.”
Multiple Republican officials and candidates joined the former President at the rally including Congressman Dan Mueser of PA’s 9th Congressional District and Republican Senate nominee Dave McCormick.
Next up for Trump is the first Presidential Debate on Thursday night, which will be followed by a Friday rally in Virginia.
