Political campaigns go to great lengths to control various aspects of their events, from the candidate to the messaging to the surrogates and schedules. However, one factor that is beyond their control is the weather.
This week, as former President Donald J. Trump holds campaign events in the Southwest, his team is facing the challenge of an extreme heat wave that is posing a threat to the health of his supporters.
During a campaign event in Phoenix, attendees had to wait in scorching temperatures above 110 degrees, leading to some collapsing and others needing medical attention for heat exhaustion.
To mitigate similar risks, the Trump campaign is making arrangements for an outdoor rally in Las Vegas, where temperatures are expected to reach around 105 degrees.
The Western United States has been experiencing a prolonged heat wave, with cities like Phoenix and Las Vegas breaking daily temperature records with triple-digit highs.
While the rally in Phoenix was held indoors, the outdoor event in Las Vegas presents a different challenge, as attendees may not have access to air conditioning.
Despite the heat warning in Las Vegas, the campaign plans to provide water, shade, misting fans, and even allow small umbrellas for shade during the event.
As extreme weather events become more common due to climate change, the campaign may have to address similar issues throughout the summer.
While President Trump has downplayed climate change concerns, his campaign is taking precautions to ensure the safety and comfort of rally attendees in extreme weather conditions.
Despite his stance on climate change, President Trump has had to cancel or modify rallies in the past due to dangerous weather conditions, showing a willingness to prioritize safety over political events.
