Former President Donald J. Trump captivated a massive crowd at an Independence Day event in Pickens, South Carolina, where he delivered a scathing critique of major American institutions and painted a grim picture of the nation on a day traditionally meant for celebration. Standing against a backdrop of 20 American flags, Trump diverged from the typical patriotic rhetoric associated with Independence Day, opting instead to attack Democrats, liberals, federal law enforcement, and President Biden. Throughout his 90-minute speech, he voiced concerns about the rewriting of America’s history and the erasure of its future. He also accused President Biden of accepting bribes from foreign nations and criticized his character. Despite the familiarity of his comments, the event underscored Trump’s powerful hold over his staunchest supporters, posing a challenge to his Republican rivals in the upcoming presidential race.
The rally in Pickens drew thousands of attendees, demonstrating the enduring loyalty of Trump’s base. The event took place under sweltering humidity and heat, with people flocking to the streets of this small South Carolina town from before dawn. One attendee, Pam Nichols, proudly expressed her support for Trump, having previously attended the January 6 rally in Washington, D.C. Nichols, who described herself as an “insurrectionist,” felt it was time to come out and publicly support Trump once again. This rally marked only the second full-scale event organized by Trump since the start of his campaign, as he has primarily spoken at gatherings arranged by other groups.
The decision to host the rally in Pickens was a straightforward one for town director of marketing, Bryan Owens. Although Owens personally does not endorse Trump for the 2024 election, he seized the opportunity to bring a former president to Pickens, recognizing it as a once-in-a-lifetime event for the town. The crowd that flooded the streets of Pickens provided a unique experience for individuals unfamiliar with small-town America.
Leading up to the rally, Pickens’s Independence Day festivities commenced with a 5K race aimed at raising funds for the repair of local water fountains on a nature trail. The town adorned its streets with American flags, and visitors were encouraged to support local businesses, despite some being closed due to Secret Service measures. Parking near the rally site was limited, prompting residents to charge up to $100 for the use of their driveways or lawns as parking spaces. For an additional fee, attendees could access golf cart shuttles from designated parking areas to the entrance of the rally, located near a McDonald’s at the end of Main Street. Attendees embraced the patriotic theme, donning red, white, and blue attire from head to toe. One individual even dressed as Wonder Woman, a costume choice inspired by the first Trump impeachment in 2019. While supporters like Tammy Milligan fully backed Trump and hailed him as a patriot, they acknowledged that the country held diverse perspectives, seeing it as quintessentially American.
In contrast to the accommodating tone of the Independence Day celebration, Trump himself remained unyielding in his speech. He fixated on the federal indictment against him, which accused him of illegally retaining national security documents and obstructing the government’s retrieval of them. Though he deemed the prosecution egregiously politically motivated, he pledged to reciprocate if elected, contributing to his already gloomy portrayal of America. Trump derided his political opponents as “sick people” and “degenerates” who were supposedly driving the country into the ground.
Overall, the rally showcased Trump’s unwavering influence over his base, posing a challenge for his Republican rivals in the upcoming presidential race. The event underscored his ability to captivate thousands and sustain their fervent support, while simultaneously shedding light on the distinct experience and fervor of small-town America.
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