NEW YORK — Donald Trump is set to make headlines as he heads to Madison Square Garden, an iconic venue in his hometown, to hold a significant rally just over a week before Election Day. This event aims to deliver a final push for his campaign against Vice President Kamala Harris. “Madison Square Garden is the center of the universe,” stated Jason Miller, a senior adviser to Trump’s campaign, highlighting the venue’s rich history, which includes noteworthy events like the “Fight of the Century” in 1971.
This rally aligns with Trump’s unconventional campaign strategy, as he has made various stops in non-traditional locations, including an event in Coachella, California, and summer appearances along the Jersey Shore as well as in the South Bronx. While some critics from the Democratic side and media have questioned the necessity of these events, they provide Trump with the high visibility and media exposure he seeks.
In addition to rallying his core supporters, Trump’s campaign aims to engage undecided voters, many of whom may not consume news through conventional channels. To connect with these individuals, he has dedicated significant time to popular podcasts, and his team has orchestrated viral moments, including a recent visit to a McDonald’s, where he served fries to supporters from the drive-thru. Footage from this outing garnered over 40 million views on TikTok.
Former U.S. Representative Lee Zeldin, a Republican ally of Trump, emphasized that the Madison Square Garden rally is about more than just the attendees present; it will attract viewers from pivotal battleground states throughout the country. He noted that Trump has desired to hold a rally at this renowned venue since his campaign began.
Harris, meanwhile, has also made appearances in non-battleground states to promote a wider national narrative. Recently, she appeared alongside Beyoncé in Houston, discussing reproductive rights, and she is expected to present her concluding remarks from the Ellipse in Washington, D.C.
Trump’s rally is anticipated to draw notable supporters, including Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, who has invested heavily in Trump’s campaign efforts.
Trump frequently likens himself to some of the nation’s legendary entertainers. His eagerness to rally at Madison Square Garden—often referred to as “The World’s Most Famous Arena”—has been externally voiced in various interviews. “New York is part of his DNA. Madison Square Garden is part of his DNA,” remarked Ed Cox, the Chairman of the New York State Republican Party.
Although Trump continues to assert that securing New York is integral to his campaign, given President Biden’s decisive victory there last election, it’s clear that this rally bears personal significance for him. “It’s the New York, but it’s also, you know, it’s MSG, it’s Madison Square Garden,” Trump commented during a radio interview, underscoring the event’s importance to him personally.
Madison Square Garden has historical political significance as well, having hosted luminaries like Dwight Eisenhower and Franklin D. Roosevelt. In 1962, John F. Kennedy Jr.’s birthday celebration at the venue became famous when Marilyn Monroe serenaded him with “Happy Birthday to You, Mr. President.” Trump’s supporters also hope he might recreate the success of Grover Cleveland, who accepted his party’s nomination at the Garden in 1892 and later won the election for his second non-consecutive term.
On a broader political scale, this rally is anticipated to benefit local Republican candidates in New York. With several competitive congressional races in play that could determine the balance of power in the House, Zeldin emphasized the importance of Trump’s performance at the top of the ticket to energize the voter base in these key districts.
Trump will also leverage this rally as a fundraising opportunity as he experiences a funding disadvantage compared to Harris.
New York has not voted for a Republican presidential candidate in four decades; nonetheless, Trump remains optimistic about his chances. “We think there’s a chance,” he stated on “The Brian Kilmeade Show,” pointing to rising concerns over crime and an influx of migrants in the city.
Despite his claims, his depiction of New York often presents a grim picture, contrasting sharply with the city’s reality. His complicated relationship with New York remains evident; he built his empire there, but the city also charged him with multiple felonies, resulting in a guilty verdict regarding business record falsification.
