Donald Trump is set to make a significant appearance at Madison Square Garden, just days before Election Day. The former president will host a rally in his hometown, where he plans to deliver a final campaign message in contrast to Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris.
The rally is scheduled to start at 2 p.m. EDT. Trump campaign senior advisor Jason Miller emphasized the importance of the venue, referring to it as “the center of the universe” and highlighting its historic significance, including the well-known 1971 “Fight of the Century.”
This upcoming event is one of several recent rallies Trump has held outside key battleground states, including a recent appearance in Coachella, California, and a summer rally on the Jersey Shore. He also campaigned in the South Bronx, an area known for its strong Democratic presence.
While some Democrats and commentators have criticized Trump’s decision to host what they consider self-promotional events, the rally will provide him the opportunity for extensive media coverage and a chance to connect with a national audience. Trump’s campaign is attempting to engage undecided voters, many of whom consume news through non-traditional channels.
To reach these voters, Trump has invested time in popular podcasts and has generated viral moments, such as his recent visit to a McDonald’s where he served fries to supporters. His campaign reported that the video from the visit garnered over 40 million views on TikTok.
According to former U.S. Representative Lee Zeldin, a Trump ally, the event will attract viewers from key battleground states across the country, and Trump has expressed his desire to host a rally at Madison Square Garden since the beginning of his campaign.
Harris has also been active, participating in events outside battleground states to promote a national agenda. She shared the stage with music icon Beyoncé in Houston to advocate for reproductive rights and is set to deliver her closing remarks from the Ellipse in Washington.
Joining Trump at the rally will be prominent supporters, including Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, who has financially supported Trump’s campaign.
Trump often likens himself to iconic entertainers and has expressed a long-standing ambition to hold an event at Madison Square Garden, which he describes as integral to his identity. Despite challenging New York’s Democratic voting trends—where Republicans have not won a presidential election in 40 years—Trump remains confident about his potential for victory, citing public concerns over crime and immigration.
The rally is strategically important not just for Trump but also for Republican candidates in New York, many of whom are vying for seats in competitive congressional races that could influence control of the House. Zeldin noted the importance of having a strong top-of-the-ticket performance to support down-ballot candidates.
As Trump seeks to rally his supporters and raise funds amid a financial disadvantage to Harris’s campaign, he is returning to the city that has shaped both his career and public persona. While facing legal challenges from the New York judicial system, Trump continues to reflect on his complex relationship with the city that has defined much of his life.