“New York Rally Shows Trump’s Supporters Are Still Going Strong”
The scene was set as I approached the Nassau Coliseum, where vendors were selling “Make America Great Again” hats, and a giant digital sign displayed a photo of former President Donald Trump. The air was charged with anticipation as supporters lined up, some in lawn chairs, surrounded by a sea of Trump flags and merchandise. A large sign warning against the “mind virus” of “fake news media” loomed nearby, adding to the rally’s atmosphere.
Later that evening, Trump addressed the crowd with his trademark energy, declaring, “We are going to rescue our Democrat-run states. We are going to start by saving the great state of New York.” Despite the unlikelihood of Trump winning in this deeply blue state, where Joe Biden defeated him by 23 percentage points in 2020, his rally on Long Island demonstrated that his ability to draw a crowd remains as strong as ever—something that should not be underestimated.
While polls suggest that enthusiasm for Trump has waned, the scene inside the nearly filled 16,000-seat stadium told a different story. Supporters, clad in red hats, mingled with friends or stood in line for snacks, awaiting Trump’s speech at his second rally since the second assassination attempt—held on the day he was originally scheduled to be sentenced by a Manhattan judge in his hush-money case.
Despite recent reports suggesting that Trump rallies are losing steam and with polls favoring Vice President Kamala Harris to win the upcoming election, it’s important to remember that this situation feels eerily reminiscent of 2016. Back then, many underestimated Trump’s chances, believing Hillary Clinton would secure victory. Although she won the popular vote, she ultimately lost the presidency due to the Electoral College—a scenario that could very well play out again this November.
In the wake of recent events, Trump appears to be experiencing a renewed surge of support. I spoke with New York University students Tatiana Agarwal, 19, and Maximillian Stebelsky, 20, who had waited over two hours to get into the arena. They donned neon pink and blue “Make America Great Again” hats, proudly expressing their support. When asked about the assassination attempts on Trump, Stebelsky remarked, “Regardless of what party you’re with: He may be a Republican, he may be the former president, he may not be liked by a lot of people, but at the end of the day he’s a human just like everybody else.” Agarwal added, “These should be spaces for people to just gather around and socialize and come together in favor of a certain candidate. It shouldn’t be about violence.”
The reality is that America is a nation divided. On one side, there are those who view Trump—despite his controversies—as a savior for the country, while others see him as a threat to democracy. Regardless of one’s personal view, the possibility of the Electoral College favoring Trump once more cannot be dismissed.
As November approaches, it’s crucial not to ignore the momentum Trump continues to build among his supporters. Whether or not I agree with his message, it’s evident that many still do, and that could make all the difference on Election Day.
