Former President Trump is scheduled to hold a rally at Temple University in North Philadelphia on Saturday evening, just days before his first debate with President Biden, scheduled for next Thursday.
Trump’s visit to Philadelphia came after rallies in heavily Democratic areas including the Bronx, the Jersey Shore and Detroit.
Winning the battleground state in November will be key for both Trump and Biden: Trump narrowly won the state in 2016, but Biden narrowly won it in 2020.
At a rally in Pennsylvania, the Trump campaign said the former president would “highlight how Biden’s weak presidency has been devastating to American families and why only 34% of Pennsylvanians approve of the job Joe Biden is doing.”
Trump and Biden are using fiery post-debate rallies in those states to put each other on the defensive.
Supporters cheered as they waited for former President Trump to speak at a rally in Philadelphia on Saturday. (Jim Watson/AFP via Getty Images)
Earlier Saturday, President Trump addressed conservatives and voters of faith at the Faith & Freedom Coalition’s annual “Path to the Majority” conference in Washington, D.C.
“Never again will the federal government target Americans of faith,” Trump said at the event, referring to the crackdown on gatherings during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Merchandise supporting Republican presidential candidate and former President Donald Trump appeared before the start of his campaign rally on Saturday. (AP Photo/Chris Zagora)
President Trump likely received the loudest applause when he spoke out about illegal immigration and vowed to launch “the largest deportation campaign in American history” on his first day in office.
How Biden and Trump are preparing for next week’s presidential debate
Ahead of the Philadelphia rally, the Trump campaign said, “Pennsylvanians are feeling the impact of Biden’s failed policies the most – in their wallets. The cost of living has been skyrocketing under Joe Biden’s Administration, with prices increasing by more than 17% since Biden took office. The runaway inflation caused by Bidennomics is costing the average Pennsylvania family nearly $1,000 per month.”
President Trump greeted people at Tony & Nick’s Steakhouse in Philadelphia ahead of the rally. (AP Photo/Chris Zagora)
Before Trump arrived in Philadelphia, supporters had begun to gather at the Liacoras Center’s 10,000-seat auditorium, waving American flags and holding Trump merchandise and “Make America Great Again” signs.
Click here to get the FOX News app
On his way to the rally, President Trump stopped by Tony & Nick’s Steak, a local sandwich shop in Philadelphia, to greet customers and staff.
President Trump left employees a $500 tip on their sandwiches and reiterated his intention to repeal the tip tax if elected, former New Jersey Senate candidate Mike Crispi told X.
