Former President Donald Trump drew a massive crowd at Thursday evening’s planned rally in the South Bronx — Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s (D-NY) stomping grounds — and although some attendees had traveled from several states away, others were locals who had just come out to see what was going on in their neighborhood.
In the days leading up to the rally, Ocasio-Cortez mocked the former president in television interviews, arguing that he was only holding a rally in the Bronx — a heavily Democratic area — because his ongoing hush-money trial had slapped the “legal version of an ankle bracelet” on him.
Why is @AOC so mad at President Trump for hosting a rally in the Bronx? pic.twitter.com/183f557IU6
— Sebastian Gorka DrG (@SebGorka) May 23, 2024
The New York congresswoman continued to mock Trump on Thursday morning, when it looked as though weather conditions might not be favorable for the rally.
“God is good,” she commented on a post suggesting that the park where the rally was to be held might be a “muddy MESS” by the time people showed up.
God is Good 🙏🏽 https://t.co/YUUCPhZ4oJ
— Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@AOC) May 23, 2024
But the weather appeared to have taken a turn for the better by the time the crowds began to gather — and gather in the thousands.
Pulling in now—WOW!!!!! #TRUMP2024 pic.twitter.com/hJOpAxP8Ox
— Dan Scavino Jr.🇺🇸🦅 (@DanScavino) May 23, 2024
AMAZING! Happening Now in THE BRONX! #TRUMP2024 pic.twitter.com/pmuqiZZgG0
— Dan Scavino Jr.🇺🇸🦅 (@DanScavino) May 23, 2024
The scene outside the rally included several impromptu chants of “USA! USA! USA!” along with a little music.
“United we stand, divided we fall. Indict our president, you’d better indict us all”
The scene outside the Trump rally in the Bronx.
Footage by @NJEGmedia pic.twitter.com/EvE5ugP8nZ
— The Post Millennial (@TPostMillennial) May 23, 2024
Savanah Hernandez shared video of interviews she took as people arrived — some hours early — for the main event, and a number expressed their surprise that any president would show up where they lived.
“I definitely am surprised…I never expected him to come to the Bronx”
I spoke to residents of the Bronx, many of whom were simply passing by, about their thoughts on Trump rallying in the Bronx tonight | @TPAction_ pic.twitter.com/8dB7tferhV
— Savanah Hernandez (@sav_says_) May 23, 2024
While onstage, Trump picked up two new endorsements — New York rappers “Sheff G” and “Sleepy Hallow.”
WATCH: Rappers ‘Sheff G’ and ‘Sleepy Hallow’ endorse Trump at Bronx rally pic.twitter.com/WbRZrSdH4v
— Breaking911 (@Breaking911) May 24, 2024
“One thing I want to say,” Sheff G said after Trump invited him onto the stage. “They’re always going to whisper your accomplishments and shout your failures. Trump gonna shout the wins for all of us!”
Trump drew loud applause on a number of occasions as well.
TRUMP: “It doesn’t matter whether you’re black or brown or white or whatever the hell color you are, it doesn’t matter. We are all Americans.” pic.twitter.com/quVeGXlXsQ
— Breaking911 (@Breaking911) May 23, 2024
“It doesn’t matter whether you’re black or brown or white or whatever the hell color you are, it doesn’t matter. We are all Americans, and we’re going to pull together as Americans,” he said, prompting applause and another round of “USA!” chants.