Trump Campaign Adds California and New York to Rally Schedule
In a surprising shift, Donald Trump is targeting deep-blue states like California and New York in the final stretch of the 2024 presidential campaign. Instead of focusing solely on battleground states, Trump is holding events in Democratic strongholds, including a rally in California’s Coachella Valley on Saturday and an upcoming rally at Madison Square Garden in New York. These stops reflect a new strategy to attract media coverage, raise campaign funds, and support down-ballot candidates in competitive races.

Though Trump lost California by 29 percentage points in 2020, he told a Southern California talk show this week that, with “an honest election,” he could win the state “in a landslide.” He criticized California’s mail-in voting system, which he claims is prone to fraud. But these visits aren’t just about flipping Democratic states. Trump’s team emphasizes that the rallies appeal to Republican donors and voters, helping build momentum across the country.

"We have a lot of support in California, and I felt I owed it to them," Trump said during his interview on The John Kobylt Show. He praised the rally site, calling it "a great piece of land."

Rally as a Media Strategy
Trump’s campaign asserts that the location of his rallies matters less than the media coverage they generate. A senior Trump adviser explained that large events in cities like New York and Los Angeles ensure his message reaches national audiences: “The bigger the rally, the more attention it will get. You have to cover Madison Square Garden, right?”

These appearances also let Trump criticize Democratic leadership without the same risks he might face in swing states. On a recent visit to Detroit, Trump warned that electing Vice President Kamala Harris would make the country “end up being like Detroit.” His communication director, Steven Cheung, said Trump’s California rally will focus on Harris' record as a former attorney general and senator: “President Trump will highlight Harris’ failing leadership and show that he has the solutions to save every state and every American.”

Pushback from Local Leaders
Not everyone welcomes Trump’s visit. Coachella Mayor Steven Hernandez criticized the rally, saying Trump’s values conflict with the community’s identity.

"Trump’s attacks on immigrants, women, and the LGBTQ community don’t align with Coachella’s values," Hernandez posted on social media. “He has no invitation from us. He isn’t one of us.”

Despite local resistance, Trump believes the rallies show his support is nationwide. These events also prepare him to challenge the election results if Harris wins. A person close to Trump said: “He thinks these crowds will prove there’s no way she can win.” Trump often uses the phrase “too big to rig,” insisting that large crowds signal a guaranteed victory.

Fundraising and Outreach in Unexpected Places
Trump’s strategy also includes tapping into overlooked voter groups. He recently campaigned in Aurora, Colorado, where he criticized Harris and discussed immigration issues. Trump hopes these unconventional stops will resonate with voters who don’t engage with traditional politics. His team has doubled down on online outreach, appearing on podcasts and YouTube streams. The shift to blue-state events mirrors Harris’ own campaign strategy. Both campaigns are working to reach niche audiences through podcasts and media personalities, aiming to attract nontraditional voters.

New York Rally Raises Eyebrows
Trump’s October 27 rally at Madison Square Garden is especially bold, given New York’s deep-blue voting history. In September, Trump held a rally on Long Island and hinted that he could win the state despite losing it by over 20 points in 2020. Although the rally at Madison Square Garden faced logistical challenges, insiders suggest Trump views the venue as a prime opportunity to display his strength just days before the election.

Will the Strategy Pay Off?
Not everyone agrees that Trump’s new approach is effective. Some Democrats believe these rallies are wasted efforts. Colorado Senator Michael Bennet dismissed Trump’s recent rally in Aurora, calling it politically futile: “There’s no way he’ll win Colorado. From a political standpoint, it’s a complete waste of time.”

Nonetheless, Trump used the rally to highlight what he calls the dangers of immigration under Democratic leadership. He criticized Colorado Governor Jared Polis and falsely claimed that Venezuelan gang members are overrunning the state. Trump pledged to expedite deportations if elected and reiterated his call for the death penalty for any migrant who kills an American. Trump’s campaign views these rallies as part of a broader strategy to energize supporters, raise funds, and influence public perception. His team believes these high-profile events will generate momentum heading into Election Day and provide a platform to contest unfavorable election outcomes.