President Donald Trump found himself in a humiliating scene after failing to fill a small arena in the heart of the Deep South for one of his rallies.
Trump, 80, spoke Friday against a backdrop of empty seats at the Mitchell Center in Mobile, Alabama, a 10,041-seat arena that had entire rows empty behind the president as he tried to drum up Republican support ahead of the midterm elections.
Ironically, Trump began his speech to a small crowd on the University of South Alabama campus by boasting about a 2015 rally where he couldn’t find a venue in Mobile that could accommodate all of his supporters.
Trump went on to claim — in an hour-long speech — that he had visited Alabama, a state he said he won by 55 points but actually carried by 30 points in 2024, to say “hello” and show them respect.
“They said, ‘Why are you going to Alabama? Why are you going to Oklahoma? Why are you going to Texas?'” Trump said. “But you know, especially the last two, in Texas, because we have to win this race. Ken Paxton has to win. But here, you’re going to win your races.”
He continued: “But in the case of Oklahoma and Alabama. I’m here to say hello. I love you and I’m really coming as a sign of respect.”
The White House did not respond to a request for comment on the empty seats behind Trump.
Other speakers Friday evening were Republican Sen. Tommy Tuberville, currently running for governor; Rep. Barry Moore, who is running to replace Tuberville in the Senate; and congressional candidates Jerry Carl and Rhett Marques. Marques is in a particularly tight race in Alabama’s 2nd Congressional District, a district that Republicans redrew to favor the GOP.
Trump was photographed leaving the White House for Alabama with his close personal aide, Natalie Harp, and his far-right fanatic, Laura Loomer, who enjoyed outsized influence over the president during his second term.
The president even shouted out Loomer, 33, during his speech before reiterating his promise to give $5,000 to every American if Republicans maintain control of Congress — which is becoming less likely by the day.
“A great Republican strategist, a great person, a killer when she’s mad at you. This is a very terrible situation, Laura Loomer,” Trump said to muted applause. “Thank you, Laura. She’s great.
He continued: “With your support for a Republican House and a Republican Senate on November 3, here’s what we’re all going to do real quick: Like I said, I’m going to pay a $5,000 Trump dividend. »
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