Donald Trump, the Republican presidential nominee came to Wilmington on Tuesday afternoon to hold a campaign rally, which drew thousands of people into the University of North Carolina Wilmington’s Trask Coliseum.
Preceded on stage by North Carolina Gov. Pat McCrory and former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, Mr. Trump entered the stage as “God Bless the USA” played over the sound system and the over 5,000 people in the arena cheered and waved signs.
The New York businessman touched upon several topics over his hour-long speech, including the recent repeal of North Carolina’s controversial voter identification law, which has been struck down by the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals last month.
“What’s with voter ID? Why don’t we have voter ID?” Trump asked, saying possible “fraud” worried him and one individual’s ability to vote 15 times for his Democratic opponent Hillary Clinton. “I will not tell you to vote 15 times [for me].”
North Carolina Gov. McCrory had told the crowd, when he spoke that he would appeal the ruling to U. S. Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts, and Mr. Trump then repeated that promise to reach up to the highest court.
As could be expected there were protesters chanting outside of Donald Trump rally at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington
Trump spoke with fervor against Clinton, calling her “unstable Hillary” and stating that she lacked the judgment necessary to be president.
“It’s one thing to make bad decisions. It’s another thing to be wacky and make bad decisions,” Trump said while the crowd erupted. “She is disdainful of the rules set for anybody else … She’s not a leader, and she’s a liar.”
Trump spoke several times about the National Rifle Association and their endorsing him. According to Trump, he and his sons are both members of the gun rights group.
“Hillary wants to abolish, essentially abolish, the Second Amendment,” Trump said while the crowd booed loudly. “If she gets to pick her judges – nothing you can do, folks. Although the Second Amendment people, maybe there is, I don’t know. But I’ll tell you what, that will be a horrible day.”
His statement drew fire online, with several people questioning whether he was insinuating that gun violence be used against Clinton. On Donald Trump’s official campaign site, Senior Communications Advisor Jason Miller wrote a response titled, “Trump Campaign Statement on Dishonest Media.”
“It’s called the power of unification – Second Amendment people have amazing spirit and are tremendously unified, which gives them great political power,” Miller wrote as clarification of Trump’s quote. “And this year, they will be voting in record numbers, and it won’t be for Hillary Clinton, it will be for Donald Trump.”
Trump went on to declare his ongoing support for the armed forces and for veterans. His message has resonated with residents of what Gov. McCrory refers to as “the most military-friendly state.” Trump also asked the country to support our law enforcement, sating that Clinton would not.
“I want to work with our police,”said Trump, stating he would restore law and order. “Our police are so incredible. They’re not getting the respect they deserve.”
Although the rally was peaceful throughout, a couple of attendees were escorted from the arena toward the end, though they would not have been noticed if Trump had not said anything.
“I like the Hillary protesters. You know why? They’re so nice and quiet,” said Trump. “The Bernie [Sanders] protesters were brutal, they were tough … The Hillary protesters had no spirit.”
Before leaving the stage with the Rolling Stones’ classic, “You Can’t Always Get What You Want” playing in the background, Mr. Trump again stated the statements that have become his signatures in his presidential campaign
“We will build a wall. That’s legal,” Trump went on to say that the continuing flow of illegal immigrants and drugs and drugs over our “southern border” would cease when he is president. “Walls do work. Walls do work.”
Mr. Trump, whose daughter-in-law Lara lives in Wrightsville Beach, went on to praise the people of North Carolina and saying it is of great importantance to win this battleground state in order for him to win the presidency.
“We’re going to start winning. We’re going to put America first. We’re going to make America safe again,” said Trump. “But never, ever forget, we are going to make America great again.”
