Donald Trump Rallies Supporters in Macon, Georgia as Election Day Approaches

 

Former President Donald Trump drew a sizable crowd at the Atrium Health amphitheater in Macon, Georgia, on Sunday, marking his final rally before Election Day. Despite arriving an hour and a half late, Trump, donned in a black-and-gold "Make America Great Again" cap, energized his supporters with a mix of familiar rhetoric and new claims as early voting statistics suggest that turnout in Georgia's middle region could play a crucial role in the upcoming election.

During the rally, Trump reaffirmed his commitment to stringent immigration policies, stating he would invoke the Alien Enemies Act of 1790. He controversially suggested pursuing the death penalty for undocumented immigrants who kill Americans. “The United States is now an occupied country,” Trump declared, emphasizing what he described as an influx of individuals across American towns and cities.

Trump referenced the recent murder of Minelys “Mimi” Zoe Rodriguez-Ramirez in Cornelia, Georgia, alleging the suspect was in the U.S. illegally. Rodriguez-Ramirez's mother, Carmen Rodriguez, spoke passionately on stage, expressing her loss but affirming her faith in Trump, whom she called “the best choice for the USA.”

With over 4 million Georgians having voted early, the state is witnessing unprecedented voter turnout. While urban areas like Atlanta show slightly higher participation, turnout in Macon-Bibb County has been about 10% below the state average. The county, which voted predominantly for Biden in 2020, is surrounded by rural regions that lean Republican, making it a focal point for Trump's campaign efforts.

Throughout the rally, Trump took jabs at retired military leaders he had previously worked with, labeling them “stupid.” This included former chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Mark Milley and ex-defense secretary James Mattis, both of whom have criticized Trump in the past.

With a fervent rallying cry, Trump promised to tackle inflation and “stop the invasion of criminals coming into our country,” asserting, “We’re at the five-yard line, maybe even the one-yard line.” He framed the upcoming election as a pivotal moment, stating, “Kamala broke it, and I’ll fix it.”

The rally also highlighted intra-party tensions, as Georgia Republican chairperson Josh McKoon announced a federal lawsuit aimed at preventing Fulton County election offices from remaining open over the weekend to accept absentee ballots. This move comes after a judge rejected a previous attempt to restrict ballot drop-off locations.

Former NFL star Herschel Walker, who Trump endorsed for Senate, made his first appearance at a Trump rally this year, following a narrow defeat in the 2022 elections. In contrast, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp, who has faced past criticism from Trump over the 2020 election, did not attend the event, despite a recent reconciliation between the two.

Speakers at the rally echoed Trump's sentiments, capitalizing on President Joe Biden's recent comments that sparked controversy regarding Trump supporters. Georgia lieutenant governor Burt Jones quipped, “I’ll take this trash all day long,” while Representative Andrew Clyde added, “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.”

As the election draws near, Trump's rally in Macon underscores the significance of Georgia's political landscape and the ongoing battle for voter support in a key battleground state.