Wilmington, North Carolina – Former President Donald Trump disappoints thousands of supporters at Wilmington airport by canceling his appearance at a planned rally due to an approaching rainstorm. Despite the setback, Trump assured his followers that the event would be rescheduled for a bigger and better experience.
This would have been Trump’s first public appearance addressing supporters after a week of relative silence during a trial in New York City. The rally attracted between 7,000 to 8,000 people, many of whom had lined up since early morning under hot and humid conditions. Trump expressed his disappointment at the cancellation, emphasizing the importance of keeping everyone safe.
Leading up to the planned rally, Trump’s campaign had been active on social media, with the former president calling for debates with his rival, President Joe Biden. Trump’s call for debates came as he faced criminal charges of campaign finance fraud in the courtroom. The Trump campaign had previously withdrawn from the Commission on Presidential Debates after the 2020 campaign season.
Wilmington holds significance for the Trump family, as it is the hometown of Lara Trump, the former president’s daughter-in-law and the newly installed chairwoman of the Republican National Committee. North Carolina, a state that voted for Trump in the past two elections, is now becoming more competitive due to demographic changes and shifts in abortion laws.
Attendees at the rally expressed disappointment at the cancellation but shared their unwavering support for Trump. One attendee, Ron Raynor from Jackson, North Carolina, highlighted his desire to see Trump in person and emphasized the economic challenges he faced under the current administration.
Overall, the cancellation of the rally in Wilmington marked a missed opportunity for Trump to reconnect with his supporters in the area. The event’s rescheduling promises a larger turnout and a renewed opportunity for Trump to engage with his base as he navigates legal challenges and prepares for potential debates with President Biden.