Former President Donald Trump expressed his admiration for Milwaukee just weeks before the city hosts the Republican National Convention. Trump, who was reported to have used the word 'horrible' in reference to Milwaukee in a closed-door meeting, clarified his stance during an event in Racine, Wisconsin, stating, 'I love Milwaukee.' Several allies suggested that Trump's initial comment may have been in relation to concerns about crime and voter fraud.
Wisconsin, a crucial battleground state, played a pivotal role in the 2016 and 2020 presidential elections. Trump's event in Racine had a festive atmosphere, reminiscent of a small-town Fourth of July celebration, with supporters donning red, white, and blue attire.
During his speech, Trump criticized President Biden's immigration policies and border security measures. He denounced Biden's recent announcement regarding allowing certain spouses of U.S. citizens without legal status to apply for permanent residency, labeling it as 'an attack on American democracy.'
Trump also addressed allegations of calling Milwaukee 'horrible,' attributing the claim to 'radical left lunatics' spreading misinformation. He emphasized his concerns about crime and voter fraud in the state, despite evidence showing a decrease in violent crime nationwide.
The event featured endorsements for Eric Hovde, a Republican candidate challenging Democratic Senator Tammy Baldwin. Trump and Hovde rallied supporters to 'fire Joe Biden and Tammy Baldwin,' highlighting the competitive nature of the upcoming Senate race in Wisconsin.
Supporters in attendance voiced concerns about the economy, with many citing inflation and rising costs under the current administration. Small business owners, like Emmanuel McKinstry and Dimple Navratil, expressed optimism about Trump's potential return to office, citing economic prosperity during his presidency.
Attendees like Samantha Cross and Matthew Brown shared personal struggles related to inflation and rising living expenses, underscoring their hopes for Trump to address these challenges. The event drew a large crowd of supporters, reflecting the significance of Wisconsin in the upcoming election.
