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President Donald Trump received a rockstar welcome at Madison Square Garden in November 2023 at UFC 295, and it looks like that warm reception may factor heavily into how the president campaigns in some of the toughest states this year.
Historically, President Trump has campaigned heavily in states like South Carolina, Florida, Texas, Iowa, and Pennsylvania. Now, he appears to be setting his sights on winning in blue-state territory: New York.
In a new interview with Fox News’ Maria Bartiromo, Trump addressed whether he could “flip” blue states in the 2024 general election.
Bartiromo mentioned a rumor that he may be planning to hold a rally in the South Bronx. Trump replied, “I think so.” He added, “I think I will do that. I think I’ll do one at, maybe, Madison Square Garden, too.”
The president explained, “I think we have a chance. New York has changed a lot in the last two years. We have migrants all over the street – they’re living on Madison Avenue. Nobody can believe what’s happened to New York. The people of New York are angry.”
He noted that many Democrats in New York might swing toward voting for him in November, reiterating, “I think we’re going to give New York a heavy shot.”
President Trump has previously hinted that he would be willing to campaign in tougher political territory in 2024, initially revealing his thoughts at the New York Young Republican Club’s annual gala in December 2023.
“I’m telling you, this is a place that can be won, and we have the team to do it,” Trump stated.
He also hinted in comments to Breitbart that he would be making a “heavy play” for states like New Jersey, Virginia, New Mexico, and Minnesota. Trump reiterated these comments during his interview with Bartiromo this week.
He said, “They’re very unhappy in New York…and they’re very unhappy with crime. You take a look at the crime in New York – it’s at record levels. The other thing is, and very importantly, New Jersey. I think New Jersey can be flipped. I think that Virginia can be flipped. I think that New Mexico can be flipped, and I think Minnesota can be flipped.”
He added, “And I’m not even sure that EVERYTHING can’t be flipped!”