COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — South Carolina is eagerly anticipating the arrival of former President Donald Trump this weekend for the state’s biggest athletic event. Trump’s strong support base in South Carolina is seen as an advantage as he gears up for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination battle.
A source familiar with the plans but not authorized to speak publicly confirmed that Trump will be attending the Nov. 25 game in Columbia between the University of South Carolina and Clemson University. Trump is expected to be a guest of South Carolina alumnus and Governor Henry McMaster, who has extended a “standing invitation” to Trump to visit the state.
As Trump vies for the nomination, he faces competition from former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley and others. Haley, who also served as Trump’s first United Nations ambassador, is considered one of the contenders for the Republican nomination.
Having clinched a victory in South Carolina’s GOP primary in 2016, Trump has maintained his popularity in the state and garnered the support of a slew of top Republicans. Notable figures such as Reps. Joe Wilson and Russell Fry, Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette, and McMaster have thrown their weight behind him.
Haley’s campaign has not yet responded to inquiries about her attendance at the game. As an alumna and member of the Clemson Board of Trustees, Haley often speaks about her friendship with Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney and their pre-game text exchanges.The annual Clemson-South Carolina matchup is a highly sought-after event in the college football world of South Carolina. Clemson will be seeking to avenge last season’s loss as they take on South Carolina in the anticipated Palmetto Bowl. The highly anticipated game is set to take place at Williams-Brice Stadium, home of the University of South Carolina’s Gamecocks, with a stadium capacity of 77,559. The game is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET, with Clemson aiming to secure a victory following their recent win over North Carolina, while South Carolina, fresh from their win over Kentucky, fights for bowl eligibility.
___
Meg Kinnard can be reached at http://twitter.com/MegKinnardAP
