Las Vegas, Nevada – Amid record-high temperatures, Donald Trump’s campaign pushed forward with a Las Vegas rally on Sunday, June 9, despite the extreme heat affecting the Southwest United States. The event took place even as the region reeled from a heat wave that had recently sent 11 people to the hospital in Phoenix.
Rally Amid Scorching Heat
Trump’s speech was scheduled for noon, during what was predicted to be the peak of the day’s heat, with temperatures expected to hit 100 degrees, according to the Daily Beast. This decision came just days after the Phoenix town hall incident, where individuals suffered from heat exhaustion while Trump criticized his recent New York hush-money trial conviction, calling for an appellate court to overturn the decision.
Measures to Combat the Heat
To mitigate the intense heat at the Nevada rally, the Trump campaign took several precautionary measures. Attendees were allowed to bring personal water bottles and umbrellas. Additionally, the campaign invested in extra emergency medical services and planned to distribute misting fans and water bottles. Cooling tents were also set up at the exposed park venue.
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Political Context and New Initiatives
This rally was Trump’s third in Nevada this year—a state he has previously lost twice. It marked his second public appearance since being convicted on 34 charges in New York. A CBS News/YouGov poll recently showed Trump and President Joe Biden in a close race in key battleground states, including Nevada, Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin.
The rally also coincided with the launch of the “Latino Americans for Trump” initiative, as Republicans seek to capitalize on President Biden’s challenges with Latino voters. However, this strategic move was met with opposition. The Democratic National Committee planned to unveil a billboard near the rally, branding Trump a “convicted white-collar criminal.”
Online Reactions and Criticism
News of the rally quickly sparked outrage on social media. One user commented, “He doesn’t care if they are falling over!” Another added, “Trump has demonstrated time and again that he couldn’t care less about the health or safety of his MAGA followers.” Others criticized the decision to hold the event in such extreme conditions, calling for Trump to bear the medical costs for those who attend.
As Trump continues his campaign amidst legal troubles and extreme weather conditions, the debate over his priorities and the well-being of his supporters remains heated.
