New York Governor Kathy Hochul has criticized former President Trump’s upcoming rally at Madison Square Garden, describing it as a “white flag of surrender.” Speaking on MSNBC’s “The Weekend,” she remarked, “He’s coming back to a city that he knows well. He’s comfortable here. Maybe he’d like to sleep in his own bed.”
Hochul contrasted Trump’s event with the active campaigning of Vice President Kamala Harris in Pennsylvania, a crucial battleground state. She claimed that Trump’s choice to hold a rally in New York City indicates a retreat rather than an assertive campaign strategy. “He’s giving up, because why else would you come to New York City? You are not going to find undecided voters walking the streets of Manhattan today,” she stated.
Despite these criticisms, the rally is anticipated to draw a large crowd. Trump’s campaign has announced that several high-profile Republicans will be in attendance, including Senator JD Vance, Speaker Mike Johnson, billionaire Elon Musk, and former Fox News host Tucker Carlson. This event underscores the unwavering support Trump retains among his base, even in a predominantly Democratic city.
Following the New York rally, Trump’s campaign itinerary includes stops in pivotal states such as Georgia, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Nevada. With less than two weeks until Election Day, some may question the wisdom of holding a rally in New York. However, sources close to the Trump campaign suggest that the event is designed to capture media attention in the final stretch of the race.
While Hochul interprets Trump’s actions as a sign of weakness, many Republican supporters view it as a demonstration of his continued influence and a chance to rally the base. The rally represents an opportunity to energize supporters and build momentum as the election draws near.