Former President Donald Trump made an unexpected visit to Knockout Barber in The Bronx on Thursday, marking his second recent stop in the area as the presidential election draws closer. The visit, part of an upcoming segment for “Fox & Friends,” surprised co-owner Javier Rodriguez, 33, who said to the New York Post, “This happened out of nowhere.”
Trump spent time mingling with the staff and patrons, cracking jokes and shaking hands as the crowd chanted “U.S.A.” and “We love Trump.” Rodriguez described the interaction as friendly, saying, “Everybody kind of loosened up as he walked by.” While he remained tight-lipped about the specifics of their conversation, Rodriguez expressed satisfaction with the discussions, particularly around local topics like The Bronx and schools.
Rodriguez, a registered Democrat, revealed that he voted for Trump in both 2016 and 2020, but is undecided about the upcoming election. His father, Javier Rodriguez Sr., who used to own the barbershop, voiced strong support for Trump, praising his economic policies and commitment to reducing taxes on tips and Social Security. “I like Donald Trump. I like his policies. I’m a Democrat but I don’t like what Democrats have been doing,” Rodriguez Sr. explained.
Supporters and protesters showed up for Trump’s surprise visit
A tent was set up outside the shop for security, drawing both supporters and protesters. Some wore “Make Barbers Great Again” shirts, while others tried to catch a glimpse of Trump despite the restricted view. The visit is part of “Fox & Friends” co-host Lawrence Jones’ series of barbershop interviews, with the segment scheduled to air on October 21.
During a preview clip aired on “Fox & Friends,” Trump connected with the barbershop patrons, saying, “You guys are the same as me. I grew up in Queens.” He also boasted about his polling numbers, highlighting growing support among Black and Hispanic voters.
Trump has been focusing on reaching out to traditionally Democratic voters, especially in places like The Bronx, although he remains unlikely to win New York State. A Siena College poll showed 55% of likely voters favoring Vice President Kamala Harris, while 42% supported Trump.
Polling indicates that Trump has made significant gains with Black voters compared to previous Republican candidates. In 2016, Trump secured 8% of the Black vote against Hillary Clinton, and he increased that to 12% against Joe Biden in 2020. A recent poll from The New York Times and Siena College showed Trump receiving 15% support among Black voters, including 20% of Black men and 21% of voters aged 18-29.
