It Was a Lovefest! Donald Trump Claims Huge Turnout in South Bronx

Trump’s Huge Turnout: It Was a Lovefest in South Bronx

Former US President Donald Trump held a lively rally in the South Bronx on Thursday. He aimed to win over one of the most Democratic areas in the country by appealing to minority voters. He called the response a major success for his campaign.

Former US President and Republican candidate Donald Trump speaks during a campaign rally in the South Bronx in New York City on May 23, 2024. 

The event in Crotona Park was his first big campaign stop in New York since 2016, just days before a Manhattan jury considers felony charges in his criminal hush money trial.

Trump addressed an energetic crowd with many Black and Hispanic supporters. He claimed to be a better advocate for minority communities than President Joe Biden, especially on immigration issues. Even though the park holds 3,500 people, thousands more gathered outside.

"The biggest harm from the influx of migrants in New York affects our Black and Hispanic populations, who are losing jobs and housing," Trump stated, sparking chants of “Build the wall” from the audience.

As he concluded his speech, Trump said he woke up Thursday unsure of the reception he'd get in the Bronx. "I wondered if it would be hostile or friendly," he said. "It was beyond friendly. It was a lovefest.”

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 23

Supporters of former President Donald Trump watch as he holds a rally in the historically Democratic South Bronx on May 23, 2024, in New York City. The Bronx, home to a large Latino community, has been a Democratic stronghold for generations of voters, and the rally comes as Trump looks to attract more non-white voters.

Significance of Trump's high turnout in South Bronx

The Bronx has been the most Democratic borough in New York City. Barack Obama won 91.2% of the vote there in 2012, the highest in the state. Biden won 83.5% in 2020. Trump received only 16% of the vote.

Protests also occurred, with the Bronx Democratic Party holding a counter-event and union members carrying signs reading “The Bronx says no to Trump.” Democratic State Rep. Amanda Septimo criticized Trump’s visit, accusing him of exploiting the community’s struggles without offering solutions.

The area Trump visited is predominantly non-white, with about 65% of residents being Hispanic and 31% Black, according to U.S. Census data. About 35% live below the poverty line.

Trump's election campaign in New York

This rally was part of a series of local events Trump has planned while confined to New York for his trial. In the past six weeks, he has visited a Harlem bodega, a construction site, and a firehouse, but the Bronx rally was his first open to the general public.

“The strategy is to show the voters of the Bronx and New York that this isn’t your typical presidential election,” said Florida Republican Rep. Byron Donalds, a potential running mate who spoke at the rally. “Donald Trump is here to represent everyone and get our country back on track.”

In his speech, Trump criticized Biden’s handling of New York City’s issues, including the poor conditions of the subway system, the presence of discarded needles, and the challenges posed by migrants. "Joe Biden is not getting the job done for the Bronx," Trump said. “Our subways are dirty and unsafe, the ceiling tiles are falling down, and they look worse than a Third World country.”

Protestors demonstrate outside US President and Republican candidate Donald Trump's campaign rally in the South Bronx in New York City on May 23, 2024.  As thousands gather to meet Trump, mixed response from Bronx residents

While many locals supported Trump’s message, there were also protests against him. Margarita Rosario, a longtime Bronx resident, and Muhammad Ali, a Bangladeshi immigrant, expressed their frustration with the current administration and their belief in Trump’s ability to improve their economic situations.

Some protesters held banners saying, “The Bronx says no to Trump”, accusing him of exploiting the community’s struggles without offering solutions.

Trump’s campaign believes he can reduce Biden's support among Black and Hispanic voters, especially younger men frustrated with their economic prospects. He has also suggested that his legal battles make him relatable to Black voters disillusioned with the criminal justice system, a claim Biden's allies have strongly criticized.