Trump faced ‘build the wall’ chants and delivered an anti-migrant rant at Bronx rally

Former President Donald Trump faced chants of “build the wall” during a campaign rally in the Bronx on Thursday evening, where he revived his anti-immigrant rhetoric to a crowd of supporters. In a xenophobic tirade, Trump baselessly claimed that migrants from China, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and other nations were a threat to the United States, alleging that they were “building an army” to attack the country from within.

He also falsely connected record-level illegal migration to economic hardship for Black and Hispanic voters, accusing migrants of taking away jobs from them. Trump promised to conduct the “largest criminal deportation operation in our country’s history” if re-elected in November, sparking cheers and chants of “build the wall” from his supporters.

Despite studies showing that immigrants are not more likely to commit crimes, Trump’s associates are reportedly planning mass deportations if he were to win a second term. The former president’s intensified xenophobic attacks have drawn comparisons to fascist leaders like Adolf Hitler.

While Trump claimed a warm reception in the heavily Democratic Bronx, more than 100 protesters demonstrated against his appearance outside the rally area. As his criminal trial in New York nears its end, with closing arguments set to begin next week, Trump faces charges of falsifying business records related to a hush money payment to adult film star Stormy Daniels. He has pleaded not guilty and denies the alleged affair.