Former President Donald Trump took center stage at a rally in Rock Hill, South Carolina, on the eve of the primary, delivering a spirited hour-and-a-half speech. Trump focused on promoting his MAGA-nomics agenda to rejuvenate the economy and warned of dire consequences, including the potential for the largest stock market crash in U.S. history, should he lose to President Biden in November.
Amidst his remarks, Trump didn’t hold back in his criticism of both Nikki Haley and Joe Biden. He targeted Haley, his primary opponent, and expressed confidence in his lead despite her attempts to gain traction in her home state after previous losses in Iowa, New Hampshire, and Nevada. Despite Haley’s efforts, polls indicate Trump maintains a significant lead of around 30 percentage points in South Carolina.
Haley, once Trump’s Ambassador to the United Nations, stepped down from her gubernatorial role in South Carolina in 2017 upon Trump’s appointment. In contrast, Henry McMaster, the current South Carolina governor, remains a staunch supporter of Trump and introduced him at the rally. McMaster, an early and vocal advocate for Trump, even claimed to be the first elected official to endorse him during his initial presidential campaign in 2016.
While Trump acknowledged the necessity of addressing Haley’s candidacy, he hinted at potential investigations into her actions without specifying the alleged crimes. Despite this, Trump emphasized his focus on the upcoming primary and his ultimate goal of securing victory in the November elections. The rally, attended by roughly 6,000 supporters, showcased Trump’s continued influence within the Republican Party and his determination to maintain his political relevance.
