In his first outdoor rally following a recent assassination attempt, Donald Trump spoke about national security in North Carolina as part of his nationwide tour to divert attention from the Democrats and their national convention. The event took place at the North Carolina Aviation Museum & Hall of Fame, where Trump confidently stated, “Seventy-six days from now, we’re going to win this state and we’re going to win the White House,” while speaking from behind a podium shielded by bulletproof glass panels.
Additional security measures were visible, with stacked storage containers forming extra walls and snipers positioned on rooftops. The rally, focusing on national security issues, is part of Trump’s efforts to counterprogram against the Democratic National Convention. Allies have advised him to concentrate on policy rather than personal attacks as he adjusts to campaigning against Vice President Kamala Harris, who stepped in after President Joe Biden withdrew from the race.
During the Democratic convention, former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama criticized Trump, with Michelle Obama addressing his views on race and Barack Obama mocking his behavior and negative attitude. Trump’s running mate, Sen. JD Vance of Ohio, also criticized Harris and her vice presidential pick before Trump took the stage.
Trump has been busy visiting battleground states, reflecting the significance of North Carolina in the upcoming election. This visit marks Trump’s second stop in North Carolina within a week, demonstrating the state’s importance in the election. Trump won North Carolina comfortably in 2016, and the state is once again expected to be a crucial battleground in the upcoming election.
Before the rally, Trump’s plane did a flyover of the site, causing excitement among the crowd. Attendees expressed confidence in Trump’s chances, with some expressing concerns about the opposition. One attendee mentioned feeling positive about the election but expressed doubts about Harris’s readiness to lead the country. The prevailing sentiment among attendees was a mix of confidence in Trump and skepticism regarding his opponents and their strategies.
