During a Sunday rally at Madison Square Garden, former President Donald Trump delivered an intense 80-minute speech, targeting his political opponents, criticizing immigration policies, and proposing the use of an 18th-century law to facilitate large-scale deportations. The event’s earlier speakers—a mix of donors, entertainers, and MAGA-aligned politicians—stirred significant controversy, leading to backlash from both Democrats and some Republicans who worried about alienating moderate voters.
Among the speakers, failed congressional candidate David Rem called Vice President Kamala Harris “the antichrist.” Comedian Tony Hinchcliffe, meanwhile, mocked Puerto Rico, to a mostly supportive crowd response, though his comments drew swift condemnation from Trump’s campaign, which issued a statement distancing itself from Hinchcliffe’s remarks. Vice President Harris quickly responded by highlighting her support for Puerto Rican communities, with Puerto Rican artist Bad Bunny amplifying her message on social media.
Additional rally speakers continued with polarizing comments. Former Fox News host Tucker Carlson ridiculed Harris, and radio host Sid Rosenberg expressed disdain toward New York City’s migrant support efforts. Trump closed the rally by condemning his political adversaries as an “enemy within,” framing them as part of a “vicious, leftist machine.”