Trump completes last campaign stop in Grand Rapids: ‘The silent majority is back’

FOX 2 – During the final campaign stop that began on the eve of Election Day, former President Donald Trump took the stage in Grand Rapids for the final time – ending on November 5.

Trump’s final campaign stop for 2024 was at Van Andel Arena, the same place where he wrapped up his first bid for president in 2016. The former president spoke for more than two hours, eventually ending just after 2 a.m.

“We will make America great again, I love you all, God bless you Michigan, a great honor,” he said in closing.

While Trump often brings prominent speakers or endorsements to the stage, this time he also brought three of his children to the stage, along with daughter-in-law Lara Trump, the co-chair of the Republican National Committee.

“They are my children, but I can tell you they are very good people,” he joked.

Trump leveled verbal blows at his Democratic opponent, Kamala Harris, who was campaigning Monday night in another swing state: Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. Earlier on Monday evening Democratic VP candidate Tim Walz spoke in Detroit at Hart Plaza.

“The silent majority is back and tomorrow you have to vote,” he said. “This level of enthusiasm is five times greater than theirs. They have no enthusiasm, they don’t believe in her.”

Trump’s familiar talking points about border security, economic recovery and the fight against the establishment in Washington DC were touched on.

Mayor of Hamtramck, Dr. Amer Ghalib, also spoke at the meeting. Ghalib, a Muslim of Yemeni descent, is an outspoken supporter and a symbol of the fragmented Arab-American vote.

“I support President Trump and have broken the wall of fear among Arab Americans and Muslim Americans,” he said. “I have destroyed that wall of silence and hesitation among Arab Americans. We are on a mission to break that divide between minorities and Republicans and make it the party of inclusion.”

He also referenced his endorsement of podcaster Joe Rogan, which came out hours earlier. Ironically, it was his Rogan interview that postponed his last visit to Traverse City, which began late into the night on October 25.