In Tucson Rally, Trump Promises Major Deportation Drive, Ukraine Peace Push, and Joyful Days Ahead

Former President Donald Trump delivered a provocative speech in Tucson on Thursday, captivating an audience at the Linda Ronstadt Music Hall. Addressing the upcoming election, he declared that voters would tell Vice President Kamala Harris, “You’re fired, comrade!”

With assertions of an American renaissance, Trump claimed, “Everyone will prosper,” promising a second Trump administration would “make housing affordable again” and eliminate taxes on tips. He painted a picture of a future filled with “joy and opportunity.”

He did not shy away from controversial topics, alleging that undocumented immigrants and refugees were responsible for violent crimes against American women, a assertion met with skepticism from local officials. “We are being conquered and occupied by a foreign element,” he accused.

As he approached the podium to the patriotic notes of Lee Greenwood’s “God Bless the USA,” the crowd of 2,200 greeted him with a standing ovation, reflecting his continued support in the region. Trump’s address lasted over an hour, during which he reiterated claims about immigrant criminality, raising alarms about Venezuelan gangs and asserting that Haitian refugees were stealing local pets.

The former president’s remarks extended into foreign policy, where he contended that if he were president, recent conflicts involving Hamas and Russia would not have escalated. He confidently claimed he could resolve the situation in Ukraine before assuming office while outlining plans for a national missile defense system.

Shifting focus to economic policies, Trump pledged to eliminate taxes on overtime pay and tips, while introducing measures to lower housing costs through relaxed regulations and the designation of federal land for large-scale construction. He highlighted what he termed a “monumental victory” against Harris in a recent debate, suggesting there would be no further debates.

U.S. Senate candidate Kari Lake also spoke at the rally, endorsing Trump’s vision for change in Tucson. She criticized the city’s leadership and linked rising inflation and housing unaffordability to poor governance.

Supporters expressed enthusiastic backing for Trump, with rally attendee Debbie Anderson emphasizing her loyalty. Others, like Sean Lynch, highlighted the diverse support for the MAGA movement, framing it as a fight against elite globalist agendas. The discussions among rallygoers reflected a strong desire for lower gas prices and stricter immigration policies.

Trump’s Arizona visit comes against a backdrop of a competitive electoral landscape, with an average poll showing him narrowly leading Harris by 1.6 percentage points. He previously won Arizona in 2016, while narrowly losing to Biden in 2020.

In response to Trump’s speech, Arizona Democratic Party Chair Yolanda Bejarano criticized his policies, asserting that his Project 2025 would harm working-class families and benefit the wealthy. Bejarano framed the upcoming election as a choice for economic responsibility and better job opportunities.

Senator Mark Kelly also voiced opposition to Trump’s rhetoric, questioning the former president’s motives and emphasizing the need for genuine solutions regarding border issues. He pointed out that Trump’s past actions had detrimental effects on bipartisan efforts aimed at improving border security.

The event drew criticism from Ronstadt herself, a Tucson native and renowned artist. She expressed disappointment over Trump’s visit, highlighting his often divisive rhetoric and its impact on communities in the area.

Ultimately, Trump’s rally underscored the ongoing political tensions in Arizona as the November election draws near, with both parties vying for voter support in what could be a pivotal state in the presidential race.