Former President Donald Trump is planning on holding massive rally in the Bronx Thursday evening in a move to connect with voters in traditionally Democratic strongholds. The event, staged at Crotona Park, has already drawn an enthusiastic crowd of tens of thousands.

“Senior citizens cannot walk down the street. Our children are being killed. When you go to a grocery store, you can’t even buy anything anymore,” said Rev. Ruben Diaz Sr., president of New York's Hispanic Clergy Association. Diaz, a lifelong Democrat, voiced the sentiments of many in the crowd who feel neglected by their party. “I’m a Democrat. All my life I've been a Democrat, but Democrats have used us and abused us, they think that they own us. Donald Trump is giving us an opportunity.”

“Everyone needs help,” another resident told Fox News. “People need housing. Instead of giving migrants and everybody that’s coming from other countries help, we’re here. We’re Americans. Give us some help,” said one resident, predicting Trump would be welcomed with “open arms.”

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Another resident explained that Trump’s visit to the Bronx showed a lot of respect for the area, despite its Democratic leanings. “I happen to be one of those Democrats that hasn’t voted Democrat since the age of Ronald Reagan,” he said.

Biden's grip on New York is loosening, with his lead over Trump shrinking to just 9 points, a fresh poll from Siena College revealed on Wednesday. While Biden still leads with 47% of the vote, Trump is closing in with 38%, tightening the race from last month's 10-point gap.

A campaign insider revealed to CNN that Trump chose the Bronx for his rally due to his deep roots in New York, his outreach to minority communities, and its closeness to where his criminal trial is unfolding. They also noted Trump's desire to “challenge the status quo” in a state that has been a Democratic stronghold for decades. Despite New York's long history of voting Democrat, Trump is optimistic about his chances there this fall—a feat no Republican has achieved since 1984. Notably, the Bronx, a Democratic bastion, saw Trump trailing Joe Biden by 68 points in 2020, a slight improvement from Hillary Clinton's 79-point lead in 2016.

Strategically held just blocks away from the district of Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), the rally is part of Trump’s broader campaign strategy to flip New York State red in the upcoming election. The campaign secured a permit for 3,500 attendees, underscoring their commitment to making a significant impact in the area.

Trump's hush money trial in New York will pause until next Tuesday, with closing arguments set to wrap up the proceedings. The defense wrapped its case quickly this morning, only calling two witnesses and notably, Trump did not testify despite previous statements suggesting he might. The prosecution brought forward 20 witnesses, including Trump’s former attorney Michael Cohen, aiming to prove that Trump falsified business records related to a payment to Stormy Daniels before the 2016 election. Trump, facing 34 felony charges and denying both the charges and the affair, is involved in four criminal cases as he eyes the 2024 GOP nomination.

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