Former President Donald Trump is set to hold a rally in northeast Pennsylvania, a critical battleground state, before his criminal hush money trial begins on Monday. The rally, scheduled to take place at the Schnecksville Fire Hall in Lehigh County, will mark Trump's third visit to the swing state this year.
Pennsylvania, a state that could play a pivotal role in the upcoming presidential race, was flipped by Trump to the Republican column in 2016 but was won by President Joe Biden in the 2020 election. Biden, who hails from Scranton in northeast Pennsylvania, plans to address tax fairness in a major speech in his hometown on Tuesday.
Trump is facing four separate criminal prosecutions while campaigning for a potential return to the White House. His trial in New York, where he is accused of orchestrating hush money payments to conceal extramarital affairs during his 2016 campaign, is set to begin with jury selection on Monday.
Both Trump and Biden have been actively engaging in efforts to energize their voter bases and undermine each other's support. Trump recently criticized Biden's handling of the economy, citing a rise in inflation rates, while Biden has targeted Trump on issues such as abortion and immigration.
Despite job growth in the Lehigh County area under Biden's administration, the president has faced challenges in convincing the public of his economic stewardship. Inflation rates have been a persistent concern, with rising costs for essentials like shelter and gasoline impacting consumer sentiment.
As the campaign intensifies, both candidates are expected to continue focusing on key issues such as the economy, immigration, and national security to sway undecided voters and solidify support within their respective bases.
