On Saturday, Donald Trump delivered two speeches, urging Christian supporters to vote for him and appealing to Black voters in Philadelphia by promising to address the city’s crime issues, despite data indicating a decline in violent crime.
At a rally at Temple University in Philadelphia, Trump promised to provide police with “immunity” and increase federal resources to combat violence if elected in November.
He dismissed FBI statistics showing a decrease in violent crime and murder as “fake” and accused Democratic President Joe Biden of lying about the data.
“Under crooked Joe Biden, the City of Brotherly Love is being ravaged by bloodshed and crime,” Trump said to an audience more diverse than usual but still largely white.
He assured, “Under the Trump administration, we are going to bring law and order and safety back to our streets.”
Trump’s promise to fight crime was part of a broader appeal to Black and Hispanic voters, who make up more than half of Philadelphia’s population.
The Trump campaign is encouraged by some polls showing potential gains with these voters.
Trump also claimed, without evidence, that illegal migrants were taking jobs from Black and Hispanic workers.
“Joe Biden’s open border has also been a disaster for our great African-American and Hispanic-American populations,” he stated.
Despite low chances of winning Philadelphia, Trump aims to narrow the margin in the region, crucial for Pennsylvania, a swing state.
He reiterated false claims of voter fraud in Pennsylvania during the 2020 election, saying, “Philadelphia was one of the most egregious places anywhere” for voter fraud.
“We are not going to let it happen again.”
Democratic state lawmaker Malcolm Kenyatta criticized Trump’s history and policies, saying, “Donald Trump is in a Black place, but Donald Trump does not give a damn about Black people.”
Trump and Biden will face off in their first presidential debate of the 2024 race in Atlanta on Thursday.
During a stop at a Philadelphia cheesesteak shop, Trump hinted at his choice for running mate, who might be at the debate.
Earlier, at a Washington event organized by the Faith and Freedom Coalition, Trump urged churchgoers to vote. “Christians go to church, but they don’t vote that much.
You gotta get out and vote,” he said. He briefly touched on abortion, stating his belief in exceptions for the life of the mother, rape, and incest, emphasizing the need to win elections.
The audience’s response was mixed, with some chanting “No dead babies!”
He received applause for other proposals, like scrapping the Department of Education, a popular measure among conservative Christians.