Trump rallies in Montana, Tennessee, and Alaska have drawn attention not for the candidates he supports but for the president's eccentric performances, marked by insults, odd obsessions, and rambling thoughts. In the run-up to an election, a Republican president typically wouldn’t be campaigning in these traditionally red states. These aren’t normal times, however, and Donald Trump, an unpopular president leading an unpopular party, has held rallies in those states in the last week, seeking to drum up support. But a series of eccentric performances from the president means his behavior has been the focus, rather than any of the candidates he is backing.
Trump's Eccentric Performances Steal the Show
Trump, 80, has used his appearances to muse about animals’ opposition to the second amendment, to call one Republican candidate “nerdy”, and to demonstrate a hitherto unexpressed fascination with “asses” – men’s and babies’, in particular. Along the way Trump has repeated his lie that 2020 was a rigged election, claimed, falsely, that he has secured $21tn in foreign investment in the US, and issued dark warnings about Democrats.
Syracuse Rally: Confusing Introduction and False Claims
In Syracuse, New York, on Friday, Trump was supposed to support Bruce Blakeman, the Republican candidate for New York governor, whom he introduced to the crowd in a confusing way. Trump told the crowd of Blakeman: “I’ve just known him just for a second. I’ve known him for a long time, years.” Aside from his entirely contradictory explanation of his relationship with Blakeman, Trump went on to claim that, in New York: “You can no longer say: ‘Mother – hi’...”
Key Takeaways from the Week in Trump Rallies
- Rambling thoughts: Trump’s speeches have been filled with tangential stories and odd obsessions, diverting attention from the candidates.
- Insults: He has insulted fellow Republicans, calling one “nerdy,” and made bizarre comments about animals and anatomy.
- False claims: Trump repeated the lie that the 2020 election was rigged and falsely claimed $21tn in foreign investment.
- Unpopularity: As an unpopular president leading an unpopular party, Trump’s rallies may be aimed at energizing his base rather than winning over new voters.
Comparing Rally Rhetoric: Then and Now
Trump’s rally rhetoric has evolved over time, with recent appearances featuring more personal insults and bizarre tangents. The table below compares key themes from his 2016 campaign rallies to those in the past week.
| Theme | 2016 Rallies | Recent Rallies (2024) |
|---|---|---|
| Focus on Candidates | Often highlighted local candidates | Minimal focus; self-centered |
| Use of Insults | Targeted opponents (e.g., “Crooked Hillary”) | Insults directed at fellow Republicans (“nerdy”) |
| False Claims | Claims about election integrity | Repeated 2020 rigging lie; false investment claims |
| Rambling | Occasional tangents | Frequent, bizarre tangents (e.g., animals and 2nd Amendment) |
Implications for the Republican Party
Trump’s behavior at these rallies has raised concerns among some Republicans that his eccentric performances could hurt the party’s chances in upcoming elections. By focusing on himself rather than the candidates, Trump may be undermining the very support he aims to generate. As the election approaches, it remains to be seen whether Trump’s rallies will help or hinder Republican candidates in red states and beyond.

FAQ
What were the main topics of Trump's recent rallies?
Trump discussed a range of topics including animals’ opposition to the second amendment, called a Republican candidate “nerdy,” and made bizarre comments about “asses.” He also repeated false claims about the 2020 election and foreign investment.
Why are Trump's rallies in traditionally red states significant?
Typically, a Republican president wouldn’t campaign in red states, but Trump’s unpopularity and the party’s standing have prompted him to hold rallies there to drum up support. However, his eccentric performances have overshadowed the candidates.
How have Trump's rallies affected the candidates he supports?
The focus on Trump’s behavior has diverted attention from the candidates, potentially undermining their campaigns. Some Republicans worry that his rhetoric could hurt the party’s chances in the upcoming elections.