Former President Donald Trump made his first public comments since his debate with Vice President Kamala Harris at a campaign event in Tucson, Arizona, on Thursday. Despite temperatures exceeding 100°F (37.8°C), around 5,000 supporters lined up outside the Linda Ronstadt Music Hall, which accommodates about 2,300 people. Local emergency services were busy handling heat-related incidents before Trump took the stage.
Trump’s speech, which was supposed to highlight his economic platform, focused instead on defending his debate performance. He referred to Harris with a derogatory nickname and criticized the debate moderators, whom he called "low-life anchors." Trump claimed his performance was a major victory, contrary to the criticism from various political commentators.
He dismissed the idea of participating in a third debate, stating, “There will be no third debate.” Instead of detailing his economic plans, Trump used the platform to engage with his base through anecdotes, attacks on his opponents, and repeated baseless claims, including those about his 2020 election loss.
Immigration was a major focus of Trump’s speech. He reiterated unfounded accusations against Haitian immigrants, claiming they were stealing pets and geese, despite official denials and controversy surrounding these statements.
About an hour into his address, Trump briefly outlined his economic proposals, including eliminating taxes on social security benefits, tips, and overtime. He also reiterated his commitments to defending the Second Amendment, restoring free speech, and ensuring election integrity.
The event drew significant attention in Arizona, a key battleground state. Meanwhile, Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff was scheduled to visit Tucson on the same day.
The Trump campaign had to pay a $145,222.70 deposit for the use of the auditorium and security services, a response to an unpaid bill from a 2016 rally. Tucson City Councilman Kevin Dahl noted the city’s previous experience with unpaid debts.
Linda Ronstadt, for whom the venue is named, condemned Trump’s visit and expressed her support for Harris. She criticized Trump’s policies and administration, particularly the treatment of immigrant families, calling his approach “toxic” and “brutal.”
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