Trump Holds Syracuse Rally as Protesters Challenge Visit

President Donald Trump held a campaign rally in Syracuse, New York, on Friday to support gubernatorial candidate Bruce Blakeman, while thousands of critics gathered nearby to oppose the president and his administration’s policies during the election campaign.

Trump used the event to promote his economic and immigration agenda and urged voters to support Republicans in upcoming elections. Blakeman’s challenge to Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul was the central focus of the rally.

According to Fox News, Trump highlighted promises involving taxes, energy costs and public safety, and said he would support Blakeman from the White House if Blakeman won the governor’s race.

"We're in the Golden Age of America," said Donald Trump, President of the United States.

Trump also referenced Micron’s planned $100 billion semiconductor complex in Central New York, which the company says is expected to generate 50,000 jobs across the state, including 9,000 direct Micron positions.

"This will soon be the home to the largest semiconductor manufacturing facility ever built in the Western Hemisphere," said Donald Trump, President of the United States.

During the rally, Trump encouraged supporters to maintain the enthusiasm that helped him during previous presidential campaigns and tied the gubernatorial contest to his broader Republican agenda.

"Please pretend I'm on the freaking ballot," said Donald Trump, President of the United States.

"And in a really, in a certain way, I am on the ballot because they can take away everything that we, that we got," said Donald Trump, President of the United States.

Trump told supporters that Blakeman could change the direction of New York and said his administration would assist if the Republican candidate won.

"[Blakeman will] save this state. He'll turn the state around, and I'll help him from the White House," said Donald Trump, President of the United States.

Blakeman joined Trump onstage and promoted lower taxes, reduced utility costs and business growth as part of his campaign message.

"We have to create good jobs, good benefits to keep our young people here," said Bruce Blakeman, Republican gubernatorial candidate.

Separately, protesters filled Clinton Square before marching toward the Oncenter. Organizers said the demonstration was aimed at expressing opposition to Trump’s policies.

"What Donald J. Trump stands for is not what we stand for, it’s not what real citizens of Syracuse and Central New York stand for," said Judy Jerome, organizer with the CNY Solidarity Coalition and Indivisible Onondaga County.

Jerome said the protest reflected concerns about environmental policies and immigration issues. She helped organize the gathering that brought together thousands of participants.

"The president is not a friend of the environment, definitely not a friend in good immigration," said Judy Jerome, organizer with the CNY Solidarity Coalition and Indivisible Onondaga County.

David Clark, a United States Army veteran, said he opposed serving under Trump’s leadership.

"I would never ever volunteer to go into any military action with Trump as president and fight for corruption. I just wouldn’t do it," said David Clark, United States Army veteran.

Dustin Eads of CNY Pride said members of his community had been affected by policies connected to the administration.

"Individuals within my community are passing away or they’re being attacked, they’re being mistreated and their rights are getting taken away on a daily occurrence," said Dustin Eads, CNY Pride representative.

Jerome said the turnout showed opposition groups were organizing around their concerns and encouraging participation in elections.

"That means everything," said Judy Jerome, organizer with the CNY Solidarity Coalition and Indivisible Onondaga County.

"I mean that means that we come together, that we are all part of resisting the corruption of this particular administration," said Judy Jerome, organizer with the CNY Solidarity Coalition and Indivisible Onondaga County.

The rally also included an appearance by former heavyweight boxing champion Mike Tyson, who briefly spoke onstage after being invited by Trump.

"I'm just happy to be up here with my president, President Trump," said Mike Tyson, former heavyweight boxing champion.