Quick Hit:

Former President Donald Trump rallied an impressive crowd of 25,000 in the Bronx, promising to "make New York City great again." The rally, held in a traditionally Democratic stronghold, saw Trump criticizing the Biden administration and vowing to work with local Democratic leaders to improve the city and state.

Key Details:

• The rally, held in the Bronx, drew an estimated crowd of 25,000, far exceeding the initial expectation of 3,500 attendees.
• Trump's rally was held at Crotona Park in the Bronx, a deep-blue area of New York City.
• The former president promised to work with Democrat Gov. Kathy Hochul and Democrat Mayor Eric Adams to fix the city and state, saying, “As soon as I get back into the Oval Office, I am going to pick up the phone and I’m going to call your mayor and your governor and I'm going to say...'I want to come back and help'…we’re going to get this state and this city at a level that it’s never seen before.”

Diving Deeper:

Trump's visit to the Bronx, a stronghold of Democratic support, is a break from political norms. The former president used the rally to criticize President Biden's administration, particularly its handling of the economy. Speaking on his economic accomplishments, Trump said, ""We lifted 6.6 million people out of poverty... and real middle class income rose over $6,000 a year. Under Biden, it's a disaster... real earnings for African Americans are down 5.6%." 

Trump's rally in the Bronx is a significant political move, as he was the first Republican presidential candidate to actively campaign for the general election in New York City in decades. If successful, he would be the first Republican to win the Empire State in 40 years. Despite winning less than 10% of the vote in the Bronx in his 2016 presidential election victory, Trump's support in the area increased to 16% in his 2020 re-election defeat. Current polls suggest that Trump is making further gains with Black and Hispanic voters.

Trump's rally saw endorsements from unlikely sources, including former Democrat State Senator from the Bronx, Ruben Diaz. Diaz, a Black Puerto Rican, publicly endorsed Trump, stating, "Mr. President — I want to join you in having the Bronx Great again! Please accept this Democrat — this Black Puerto Rican ... please accept my endorsement for you as the President!"

Trump's promised to improve the city and state, coupled with his criticism of the Biden administration, resonated with the massive crowd. The former president's rally in the Bronx signifies a potential shift in political dynamics, as he continues to gain support in traditionally Democratic areas.