Donald Trump made his first public appearance after his debate with Kamala Harris during a campaign rally on Thursday in Arizona, a crucial swing state both candidates are eager to win.
Around 5,000 people endured scorching heat—temperatures climbed just over 100F (37.8C)—as they waited in line outside the Linda Ronstadt Music Hall in Tucson, a venue rented for the event that holds about 2,300 attendees. Local emergency services responded to numerous heat-related incidents before Trump began his speech, according to Alisa Zaira Reznick, a local public radio reporter.
Trump stood against a backdrop featuring slogans like “make housing affordable again” and “no tax on tips,” signaling an economic focus for the speech. However, much of his time was spent reframing his debate performance—widely criticized, even by his own aides—by painting it in a more favorable light.
“We had a monumental victory over comrade Kamala Harris,” Trump declared to applause, using a derogatory nickname and mispronouncing the vice-president’s name. His account sharply contrasted with bipartisan criticism of his debate showing.
Trump accused the debate moderators, whom he labeled “low-life anchors,” of treating him unfairly, taking issue with the fact-checking of his claims during the debate.
Despite the theme of the event, Trump largely avoided discussing his economic platform. Instead, his hour-and-a-half speech was filled with personal attacks, unsubstantiated claims, and repeated falsehoods, including his continued insistence that he won the previous election.
Immigration became a central topic as Trump made incendiary remarks, particularly targeting Haitian immigrants, falsely accusing them of committing crimes and fueling harmful stereotypes, which local officials have repeatedly denounced.
About an hour into the speech, Trump finally outlined a few economic plans, including pledges to eliminate taxes on social security benefits, tips, and overtime pay. He promised to defend gun rights, restore free speech, and ensure election integrity.
Arizona remains a key battleground in the race, with both the Trump and Harris campaigns focusing on the state this week. Second gentleman Doug Emhoff also had a visit scheduled in Tucson, a Democratic stronghold.
Trump’s campaign had to pay a $145,222.70 deposit for using the venue and covering local police security costs, following a policy enacted after the former president left an $80,000 debt from a rally held in Tucson in 2016.
Linda Ronstadt, for whom the venue is named, issued a statement criticizing Trump and expressing her support for Harris. She condemned his “toxic politics,” accusing him of misogyny, racism, and dishonesty. She also criticized his administration’s policy of separating immigrant families, which she called a moral outrage.
Ronstadt expressed her concern about keeping Trump out of office, referencing his inflammatory rhetoric on immigration and his history as president.