At a rally in Uniondale, New York, former President Donald Trump addressed his supporters with a fiery plea, asking, “What the hell do you have to lose?” In his speech, Trump highlighted issues like rising crime rates, illegal immigration, and inflation as key reasons for New Yorkers to back his 2024 presidential run.
Trump claimed that New York was suffering from record crime levels, stating, “With terrorists and criminals pouring in, and with inflation eating your hearts out, vote for Donald Trump.” The crowd responded with enthusiastic cheers. However, his message was met with sharp criticism online. told by MSN.
Democratic Representative Adam Schiff of California, a Senate candidate, offered a rebuttal, listing the potential losses if Trump were re-elected, including progress on climate, healthcare, and democracy. Author Goldie Taylor added, “Everything,” in response to Trump’s rhetorical question.
In his speech, Trump also blamed Democratic leadership for issues like homelessness and drug addiction, asserting that public spaces once used by children for activities like Little League have been overtaken by “junkies and homeless people.” He further warned of the dangers on New York’s public transportation system, claiming that children riding the subway faced a high risk of harm.
Trump’s rally drew comparisons to his 2016 campaign, where he similarly asked Black voters, “What do you have to lose?” by voting for him. The former president has used the line multiple times, including when promoting the unproven use of hydroxychloroquine during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. report from NPR.
While Trump’s loyal supporters rallied behind him, critics argue that his rhetoric, steeped in fear and white nationalism, poses a threat to democracy. Despite this, Trump is aiming to recapture the support of New Yorkers who haven’t voted for a Republican presidential nominee since 1984.
