New York: During a campaign rally, Republican Presidential Candidate Donald Trump launched a strong attack on China, confidently declaring, “in a confrontation with China, we will kick their ass,” while asserting that “we have the greatest military in the world.”
Trump pointedly criticized President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, claiming they have diminished American respect on the global stage. He referenced a report suggesting that the US might struggle in a war with China, saying, “A report that they issued said if we end up in a war with China, we cannot win. We’re not strong enough.” He dismissed this notion, asserting, “We would kick their ass,” and questioned the intelligence behind publishing such a report.
While he did not specify the report, it is believed to be from the Commission on the National Defence Strategy, which had warned the US military lacks the necessary capabilities to effectively deter Chinese aggression in the Western Pacific.
Trump’s remarks were consistent with his campaign message to restore America’s former greatness, which he claims has been undermined by the current administration. “If we win, our enemies won’t be laughing anymore,” he declared.
The rally at Madison Square Garden drew a packed crowd of around 19,000, with many others unable to enter but watching on screens outside. Attendees expressed their enthusiasm through chants of “USA, USA” and calls for “Four more years.”
While much of Trump’s nearly 90-minute speech focused on immigration and inflation, he also positioned himself as a stabilizing force in international relations. He claimed that, unlike President Biden, he had avoided foreign military conflicts during his presidency.
Trump reiterated that he had a good rapport with Russian President Vladimir Putin, stating he successfully deterred Putin from invading Ukraine. He also discussed his proposed “Trump Reciprocal Tax Act” to impose tariffs on imports corresponding to those imposed by other countries on US goods, emphasizing the need to bring manufacturing jobs back to America.
Promising a “golden age” of prosperity, Trump criticized Harris, labeling her as dishonest and attacking her claims about working at McDonald’s during her college years. He claimed to have received a call from Google’s CEO, which he awkwardly recounted during his speech.
The event was not just focused on policy; Trump also took jabs at the media, calling them “fakers” and the “enemy of the people.” His speech included entertainment elements like music and videos addressing crime linked to migrants, demonstrating his characteristic campaign style.
Despite facing legal challenges, including a conviction on fraud charges, Trump was buoyed by the crowd’s support in a city where he historically struggled, acknowledging his roots and asserting that “Americans can do anything.”
His wife, Melania Trump, who introduced him, reminded the audience of his previous rally in South Bronx, noting the last Republican president to campaign there was Ronald Reagan. Throughout the rally, Trump attempted to cultivate a sense of inclusivity, emphasizing a shared national identity, while some speakers made racially charged comments about Harris.
Elon Musk, who Trump announced would lead a government efficiency panel, claimed potential budget cuts of $2 trillion, framing it as part of his broader campaign promise to enhance government effectiveness.