Former President Donald J. Trump, who has been occupied with his legal troubles in a Manhattan courtroom, is set to host a campaign event in the Bronx next week. The event will be held at Crotona Park, with Mr. Trump’s campaign promising to address financial burdens on households and emphasize law and order in New York.
The choice of location is unconventional for a Republican campaign, given the Bronx’s strong support for President Biden in the previous election. Despite some political shifts in certain areas of New York, the state as a whole is not typically a battleground in general elections.
Mr. Trump’s team has been planning an event in the South Bronx for some time, aiming to make appearances in various parts of New York City during his trial. This strategy allows him to engage with supporters while fulfilling his legal obligations.
During a recent campaign stop in Harlem, Mr. Trump criticized the district attorney prosecuting him and emphasized his tough stance on crime. He jokingly mentioned potential risks of holding an event in the South Bronx, but remains committed to connecting with voters in the area.
Representative Ritchie Torres, a Democrat from the South Bronx, has expressed opposition to Mr. Trump’s visit, labeling him as a threat to the community’s social safety net. He emphasized the strong Democratic values of the South Bronx and the rejection of Mr. Trump’s message.
Despite the challenges of campaigning in a heavily Democratic area, Mr. Trump remains determined to engage with voters in the South Bronx. The upcoming event will test his ability to connect with a community that may not align with his political views.
