GLENDALE, Ariz. — Thousands of supporters of Donald Trump lined up early this morning in Glendale for a chance to see the former president and current presidential candidate speak at Desert Diamond Arena.
Lines to get into the event wrapped around State Farm Stadium as about 15,000 people were expected to attend, Glendale officials said. Several rally attendees had to be treated for heat exhaustion and other "various reasons," according to the Glendale Fire Department.
"We're helping each other. Passing waters, you know, eyes to each other, looking out for each other," one attendee told 12News.
No protestors were seen near the event and people described the atmosphere as a "peaceful party."
"This was actually a peaceful party, you know. So this is great that we can have this many people without going crazy and losing our minds," a rally attendee told 12News.
Trump arrived at Sky Harbor Airport just after 3 p.m. and took the stage at Desert Diamond Arena just after 4:30 p.m. to the song "God Bless the USA."
"I'm thrilled to be back in this incredible state with thousands of proud and hardworking American patriots, that's what you are," Trump said. "74 days from now, can you imagine? 74 days then we gently move into that beautiful White House and we take over our country and make it great again."
Trump discussed his campaign momentum and called the Republican party the "party of common sense."
"We want fair elections, free elections, we want strong borders, we want a great military. We want great education, we want a nice home with low interest rates and no taxes, no regulations," Trump said.
Trump brought Robert F. Kennedy Jr. onto the stage during his speech just hours after Kennedy suspended his campaign.
Kennedy said his actions followed conversations with Trump over the past few weeks. He cast their alliance as “a unity party," an arrangement that would "allow us to disagree publicly and privately and seriously.” Kennedy suggested Trump offered him a job if he returns to the White House, but neither he nor Trump offered details.
Kennedy was met by thundering applause from the crowd after being introduced by Trump as “a man who has been an incredible champion for so many of these values that we all share.”
“We are both in this to do what’s right for the country,” he said.
"I don't think that I have ever introduced anyone that got applause like that," Trump said of the crowd's reaction.
Trump claimed if there were a Democratic primary, he would have beaten Joe Biden.
"His candidacy has inspired millions and millions of Americans, raised critical issues that have been too long ignored in this country and brought together people from across the political spectrum in a positive campaign rounded in the American values of his father, Robert Kennedy, a great man, and his uncle, President John F. Kennedy," Trump said. "And I know that they are looking down right now and they are very, very proud of Bobby, I'm proud of Bobby."
A year ago, some would have thought it inconceivable that a member of arguably the most storied family in Democratic politics would work with Trump to keep a Democrat out of the White House. Even in recent months, Kennedy has accused Trump of betraying his followers, while Trump has criticized Kennedy as “the most radical left candidate in the race.”
Five of Kennedy’s family members issued a statement Friday calling his support for Trump “a sad ending to a sad story" and reiterating their support for Harris.
“Our brother Bobby’s decision to endorse Trump today is a betrayal of the values that our father and our family hold most dear," read the statement, which his sister Kerry Kennedy posted on X.
Kennedy Jr., the son of the late Attorney General and Sen. Robert Kennedy and the nephew of President John F. Kennedy, acknowledged his decision to endorse Trump had caused tension with his immediate family. He is married to actor Cheryl Hines, who wrote on X that she deeply respects her husband's decision to drop out but did not address the Trump endorsement.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Decision 2024
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