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Tuesday, March 19, 2024

Trump packs Trask, promises millions of new jobs while challenging Clinton’s honesty

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Republican presidential candidate Donald J. Trump packed University of North Carolina Wilmington’s Trask Auditorium Tuesday afternoon, with supporters cheering the candidate’s calls for lower taxes, new trade agreements, immigration reform and promises of new jobs, while frequently booing his Democratic opponent Hillary Clinton.

“Under my plan, there will be millions of new jobs, good jobs” Trump said. “We want real change, not Obama change. With me, you’ll get some big changes.”

In the speech, which lasted approximately 45 minutes, Trump laid out a case against Clinton while reflecting upon themes from his own campaign that drew cheers from the crowd, many of whom waved “Trump Pence” signs. The 5,200 seat Trask Auditorium was at full capacity, with Trump saying there were thousands outside that couldn’t get in.

Trump warned that Clinton would bring a “massive tax increase” that would follow the “doubling” of debt that Trump said had occurred under Obama. The Republican candidate repeatedly criticized Clinton’s honesty and policies.

“She lacks the judgment and moral character to be president,” Trump said to cheers. “She’s not a leader. And she’s a liar.”

Trump also focused on the economic challenges facing the country, including the flight of jobs to other countries.

“Businesses are leaving the country. In Mexico, what they’re building there is the eighth wonder of the world,” said Trump, referring to a conversation he said he had with a business owner about economic growth in Mexico. “But I believe in America first.”

To help combat the flight of jobs, Trump said he would raise taxes on companies that moved plans overseas. He specifically cited the Carrier Corporation’s plans to move an air condition plant to Mexico.

“Under my plan, there’d be a 35 percent tax on Carrier,” Trump said.

Trump also said he would stem the flow of illegal immigration, as opposed to Clinton who he said was for “open borders,” while making his familiar pledge to build a wall that Mexico would pay for. However, he added that he wanted immigrants to come here, only through legal channels.

And while Trump cited the need for lower taxes, he said more people would prefer fewer regulations on businesses than lower taxes. However, he said trimming regulations don’t have to impact the environment.

“We want clean air, we want clean water,” Trump said. “But to do that, you don’t have to destroy our country by destroying our businesses.”

Trump also called for more respect for law enforcement and more restrictions on travel by people he said were associated with “radical Islam,” a term he said Clinton wouldn’t use.

“The police are not getting the respect they deserve,” Trump said. “We have to restore law and order. We have to respect and cherish our police.”

Trump’s comments weren’t without controversy, however. After the speech, several media outlets focused on his remarks on judicial appointments, which he juxtaposed against supporters of the Second Amendment.

“By the way, if she gets to pick her judges,” Trump said. “Nothing you can do, folks. Although the Second Amendment people, maybe there is, I don’t know.”

The comments were highlighted across several media outlets and social media. NBC 10 in Philadelphia reported on vice presidential candidate Mike Pence’s response when asked if the comments implied violence against Clinton.

“Of course not. Donald Trump is urging people around this country to act consistent with their convictions in the course of this election,” NBC 10 reported Pence said.

Jason Miller, senior communications advisor for the Trump campaign also released a statement replying to the “dishonest media.”

“It’s called the power of unification – Second Amendment people have amazing spirit and are tremendously unified, which gives them great political power. And this year, they will be voting in record numbers, and it won’t be for Hillary Clinton, it will be for Donald Trump,” Miller’s statement said.

Before the rally, Trump had introductory speeches from several local and state politicians, including Rep. David Rouzer, R-N.C. 7th District, Gov. Pat McCrory, and State Rep. Chris Millis, R-Onslow, Pender. Representative elect for the state house’s 20th district, Holly Grange, recited the Pledge of Allegiance.

After the speech, dozens gathered to try to get one last glimpse of Trump before he left in the motorcade One of them, Wilmington resident June Bell, said that Trump was a “courageous man of principle.”

“Donald Trump will speak the truth will boldness and will not back down,” Bell said. “It is time for our officers, military, and other officials to be treated with the utmost integrity.”

Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani surprised the crowd with an introduction for Trump. A former presidential candidate himself, Giuliani said he had never seen a crowd of this size

“I’ve never seen a crowd like this. It’s unbelievable,” he said. “There are more of you outside than inside. This is historic. It reminds me of the revolution Ronald Reagan led in the 1980s.”

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