Trump Set to Ignite Glendale Venue Abandoned by VP Harris

By Matthew Holloway |

President Donald J. Trump is set to make a notable appearance in Arizona on Friday, following an announcement from Turning Point Action. Before his rally at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, he will visit the border with Mexico on Thursday, stirring interest among supporters. This rally comes at a critical moment as Trump, bolstered by positive polling, aims to energize his base in this key battleground state, which can significantly influence the upcoming election.

Turning Point Action emphasized the importance of the visit, stating it marks Trump’s first rally after the Democratic National Committee (DNC) event in Chicago. At the rally, attendees will hear responses to the DNC’s discussions, particularly targeting Vice President Kamala Harris’ economic policies, which have faced criticism from various media outlets.

The political landscape in Arizona is heating up. On August 9, Harris and Governor Tim Walz held their own rally in the same venue. Reports indicated they drew a crowd of approximately 15,000, a figure that will be compared as Trump’s rally unfolds. Historically, Trump’s events have attracted substantial crowds, averaging about 5,000 attendees across 28 rallies this year. In contrast, previous events for President Biden, before his withdrawal, averaged only 1,300 attendees.

Trump’s previous gathering at Phoenix Dream City Church had surpassed the venue’s capacity of 3,000, showcasing his draw. His rallies often generate significant enthusiasm, turning out supporters in large numbers.

During a recent press release, the Trump campaign criticized the current administration’s policies. They highlighted rising crime and economic challenges affecting Arizona families, citing Kamala Harris’ open-border approach as exacerbating drug-related issues, particularly with fentanyl. Statistics from Maricopa County reveal an alarming trend, with over three deaths daily linked to fentanyl, a drug now confirmed to be deadlier than meth in the state. The data shows enough fentanyl was seized last year to potentially impact every Arizonan multiple times over.

Trump and Republican Senate nominee Kari Lake are prepared to address these pressing issues at the rally. Lake announced her participation on social media, indicating strong local support as the campaign gains momentum.

Polling indicates a tightening race in Arizona, with Harris initially enjoying a brief boost following Biden’s announcement to step back from the 2024 election. Recent data shows the margin has narrowed to within a single percentage point, highlighting the increasing competitiveness of the race.

The rally is scheduled to begin for attendees at 11:00 a.m., with Trump slated to take the stage at 4:00 p.m. Other speakers will kick off presentations at 2:00 p.m., setting the stage for a dynamic political event.

Matthew Holloway is a reporter for AZ Free News. Follow him on X for updates, or send tips to Matthew@azfreenews.com.