Donald Trump is determined to host a rally at New York City’s iconic Madison Square Garden on October 27, despite the state’s historically blue voting record. The former president has been fixated on filling the Garden, boasting to a confidant, “I’m gonna fill the Garden”. This obsession has been ongoing for at least a year, with Trump’s ally stating, “This is his campaign. So it’s happening”.
Several reasons might explain Trump’s decision to go big in New York. One possibility is hometown pride, as Trump was born in New York City and still draws appeal from his real estate developer background. Another reason could be Trump’s fondness for proving doubters wrong, as he revels in doing things people say he can’t.
Possible Motivations:
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Hometown Pride: Trump’s connection to New York City and his desire to make a statement in his hometown.
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Proving Doubters Wrong: Trump’s history of pushing back against those who say he can’t win in New York.
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Replacing Past Memories: Trump’s 2019 appearance at the Ultimate Fighting Championship bout, where he faced boos and negative signs.
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Supporting Down-Ballot Races: Trump’s presence could help Republican candidates in local elections.
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Fundraising: The rally might be a way to raise campaign cash, with the Trump campaign selling an “Ultra MAGA Experience” for nearly $1 million.
The rally has sparked mixed reactions from New York officials, with Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal expressing concerns about public safety and potential violence. Despite these concerns, Trump’s campaign is pushing forward, hoping to pack the arena and make a significant statement.
Trump’s presence in New York could also serve as a strategic move to call attention to signature issues, similar to his recent rally in California where he targeted rival Kamala Harris. With the election looming, Trump’s rally at Madison Square Garden is sure to draw national attention and intense scrutiny.