Trump Set to Address Supporters in Phoenix Following Election Victory
President-elect Donald Trump is gearing up for his first rally-styled address since defeating Vice President Kamala Harris in last month’s elections. The event is set to take place on Sunday at the Phoenix Convention Center in Arizona, a state that delivered an impressive 5.5% victory margin for Trump, outpacing other pivotal swing states.
Tribute to Arizona: A Special Rally
Turning Point USA, the organization hosting the rally, expressed its enthusiasm for the event. Charlie Kirk, the chief of Turning Point Action, stated, “We are incredibly honored that President Trump will deliver his first rally-style speech since the election at AmFest 2024 in Phoenix.” The event is expected to be the largest in its history, further enhancing its significance in the conservative movement.
Kirk noted that Trump specifically requested the rally be named a “Tribute to Arizona,” highlighting the special bond he shares with the state’s residents. “President Trump knows the people of Arizona have always been with him; they’re loyal to him,” added Kirk, emphasizing the strong local support.
Rally Details and Expected Speakers
Trump is anticipated to take the stage at 10:30 a.m. local time as part of the AmericaFest event, which spans four days and is touted as the “biggest conservative movement in the country.” The rally not only marks Trump’s return to the public eye but also serves as a platform for other conservative figures, including Texas Senator Ted Cruz and comedian Rob Schneider.
Political Context: Averted Government Shutdown
The timing of Trump’s speech is particularly noteworthy, coming just a day after Congress successfully avoided a government shutdown through the passage of a stopgap spending bill. Despite the late-night negotiations that followed a brief shutdown, the Senate approved the bill and sent it to President Biden for his signature.
Last week, a comprehensive agreement was reached on a short-term spending bill, which included over 1,500 pages of legislative text. Trump’s allies criticized the extensive document, particularly indicating concerns about increasing lawmakers’ cost of living amidst broader economic challenges.
Trump Calls for Debt Limit Suspension
In a bid to help avert a shutdown, Trump urged Republicans to suspend the national debt limit, which currently stands over trillion. His proposal included a new 116-page bill that would postpone the debt ceiling until January 2027 while also providing 0 billion in disaster relief for Americans impacted by recent storms.
A Complicated Legislative Journey
Efforts to pass Trump’s spending bill saw a rocky journey through Congress. Initially, the bill failed with a vote of 174 to 235, prompting lawmakers to negotiate an alternate version that ultimately passed but did not include Trump’s request to suspend the debt ceiling.
Despite the passage of the final bill, which encompassed economic relief for farmers and disaster aid for storm-affected regions, sources indicated that Trump was dissatisfied with the results, reflecting ongoing tensions between conservative factions within the party.
A Rally to Energize the Conservative Base
As AmericaFest approaches its conclusion with Trump’s eagerly awaited speech, the rally underscores an effort to reenergize conservative students and voters. Kirk characterized the annual event as a celebration of American values, stating that it aims to motivate and galvanize the grassroots movement across the country.
With the stage set for Trump’s return, all eyes will be on Phoenix as supporters gather to hear from a figure who has remained a pivotal force in American politics. The rally not only marks a significant moment for Trump but also reflects the current state of the Republican Party as it navigates the complexities of governance and party unity post-election.
Contributions to this report were made by Fox News Digital’s Elizabeth Elkind, Julia Johnson, and Michael Dorgan.
