Trump Diverts to Democratic Strongholds for Campaign Rallies

In the lead-up to the 2024 election, Donald Trump’s campaign is making strategic detours into solidly Democratic states, including a rally in California’s Coachella Valley and an upcoming event at Madison Square Garden in New York. This shift represents a break from the typical focus on swing states that both Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris believe will ultimately decide the election.

Despite the heavy Democratic leanings of these states, Trump’s campaign is leveraging these visits to tap into the significant number of Republican voters and donors residing in these areas. Trump’s past statements about election fraud continue to resonate with his base, as he claimed this week that he has more support in California than Harris, a state he lost by 29 percentage points in 2020. “If they had an honest election in California, I think I’d win it in a landslide,” he said during an appearance on a Southern California radio show.

Trump’s allies assert that these blue-state rallies serve more than just symbolic purposes. They offer opportunities for fundraising and raising awareness about Republican candidates in competitive House races. “We have a lot of support in California, and I felt I owed it to them,” Trump told radio host John Kobylt, emphasizing the importance of connecting with local supporters.

At these events, Trump aims to draw attention to the issues he believes plague these states, attributing them to Democratic leadership. During a rally in Detroit, for example, he warned that a Harris victory would lead to nationwide decline, suggesting that other cities could face similar fates as Detroit.

However, in blue states like California, Trump can make these criticisms without facing the same level of backlash that he would encounter in a swing state. “President Trump’s trip to Coachella will highlight Harris’ failing record and show that he has the right solutions to save every state and every American,” said Steven Cheung, Trump’s communications director.

These rallies are not just about reaching Republican supporters; they are also designed to capture media attention and energize Trump’s base across the nation. According to a senior adviser, the venue of Trump’s rallies matters less in today’s media landscape, where coverage extends far beyond local markets. “The bigger the rally, the more attention it will get,” the adviser noted, pointing to the significance of high-profile locations like Madison Square Garden.

To maximize outreach, Trump’s campaign is targeting voters who may not typically engage in politics. This is reflected in his recent appearances with popular YouTube streamers and podcasters—strategies similar to those employed by Harris’s campaign. “There’s a reason why we’re doing podcasts,” a senior adviser explained, highlighting the importance of connecting with a broader audience.

Despite facing criticism for his Coachella rally from local officials who feel his values do not align with those of the community, Trump remains undeterred. Coachella Mayor Steven Hernandez stated that Trump’s rhetoric is out of touch with the diverse community he aims to rally. “He ain’t like us,” Hernandez said, emphasizing that local residents did not invite him.

Trump views these large rallies as indicators of his national support, reinforcing his narrative that he must win by a significant margin to prevent election fraud claims. “He thinks those crowds show there’s no way she can win,” said a close associate.

Looking ahead, Trump has plans to visit Illinois for an event co-sponsored by Bloomberg News and the Economic Club of Chicago. He is also scheduled to return to New York, where he has been actively working to engage with non-White male voters who have traditionally leaned Democratic.

Although Trump lost New York by more than 20 points in both the 2016 and 2020 elections, he remains optimistic about his chances. “Trump has increasingly been fixated on this idea that his supporters in states not viewed as crucial to the 2024 election deserve to have an opportunity to see him,” said a close confidant.

In his rhetoric, Trump emphasizes issues such as crime and border security, which he believes resonate with voters in blue states. During his Colorado rally, he criticized the state’s Democratic governor, Jared Polis, claiming that crime rates are out of control. Colorado Senator Michael Bennet countered Trump’s claims, asserting that the former president was misrepresenting the situation in Colorado.

While Trump is confident about his outreach in these blue states, the effectiveness of his strategy remains to be seen, particularly as many Democratic voters view him unfavorably. As the election draws near, Trump’s campaign will continue to test the waters in these traditionally Democratic strongholds, aiming to expand his influence and galvanize support among Republicans nationwide.