President Donald Trump’s rally in the Bronx yesterday was a historic display of support for a Republican in a deeply Democrat area. During his first White House bid in 2016, Trump received just 9 percent of the Bronx vote, totaling 34,000 votes. Estimates from last night’s rally project approximately 25,000 supporters descended upon Crotona Park to listen to what the 45th president had to say to his native city, signaling a noteworthy hunger for change in the area.
Since early spring, President Trump has been largely confined to New York City thanks to the politically motivated case he finds himself at the center of. He has bemoaned that one of the many reasons for bringing the case against him was to keep him off the campaign trail in key swing states. However, if last night is any indication, it appears that Trump may be shifting New York into a tossup state, as spontaneous visits to city fire departments and bodegas, in addition to yesterday’s rally, prove Trump is viewed far more favorably in the area than most were previously aware of.
While disgraceful, Trump himself would agree that the lawfare is helping him politically in the region, as he is turning it into an opportunity to connect with voters he otherwise might not have reached. AMAC spoke with numerous Bronx residents in attendance, and there were a variety of reasons resonating with people in the area as to why they are supporting President Trump.
Many New York City residents saw yesterday as an opportunity to rally in defense of Trump, viewing his situation as political persecution.
“…people know what he stands for. Everybody I talk to says ‘TRUMP!’ So, people are gonna come out and vote for him,” said Kevin Jones, a long-time Bronx native.
Another strong sentiment from local residents was that despite his incredible wealth, they truly view Trump as a relatable man of the people.
“He came to my community. When he was in, he did good for the neighborhood; everybody was making money,” said Avil Garcia, who lived just blocks away from the rally site.
Said another local resident, “We do like him over here. My neighborhood likes him, we do not listen to the fake news. Trump is part of the culture here, he’s always around. And you know what? He’s funny. Keep the jokes coming.”
For many, the belief that Trump was in touch with the “average” American extended into his time in the White House.
John Garland, a born and raised Bronx native who appeared on Fox News following the rally, shared a story about how President Trump changed a law that impacted many across the nation after hearing about the circumstances of his struggle with a government program during COVID.
The last local rally goer AMAC spoke with, who did not wish to disclose her name, believes that as a Christian, we must judge people by their fruits. And although she is a self-described “Democrat conservative,” she believes President Trump’s actions as president align with her views far more than Joe Biden’s.
President Trump’s speech focused heavily on his life as a New Yorker. He talked about his time as a successful real estate developer where he took on many projects that involved previously inactive, decayed, and failing properties that he was able to turn into something great for his city. He compared that to today’s areas of New York’s society that have declined, and how he can, just as he did as a successful real estate developer for so many years, make great again.
In recent years, New York has seen a noticeable shift away from the left in voter behavior. Chuck Schumer’s 2022 election saw him receive less than 60 percent of the vote for the first time since his first election in 1998. During that same year, the governor’s race resulted in Republican Lee Zeldin losing the race by just six points. For reference, Democrat Governor Andrew Cuomo won the three previous elections by 14, 23, and 30 points.
New York has not voted for a Republican presidential candidate since Ronald Reagan, whose New York victories throughout the 1980’s were due largely to economic struggles and societal decay in the area. Nobody would deny both of those issues are once again present today, with many blaming the Democrat party that has long reigned in the state, which directly benefits Trump’s chances.
President Trump is serious about making a play for his native state. Before being quick to dismiss this possibility, even CNN admitted the rally was comprised of “A bigger crowd than Democrats would like to see, particularly given this is one of the bluest counties in the entire country.” Joe Biden’s chaotic term has resulted in many beginning to view politics beyond their usual purview, meaning anything is possible in this election.
If Trump can make it here, he can make it anywhere.
Matt Kane earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from Stony Brook University. His work has been posted by President Trump, RealClearPolitics, and American Thinker. X/Twitter: @MattKaneUSA Truth Social @MattKane