Trump gives Randolph supporters a rally to remember

ASHEBORO — With the promise to “make America great again,” former President Donald Trump was the center of attention at perhaps Randolph County’s most historic political event.

Held Aug. 21 at the North Carolina Aviation Museum at the Asheboro Regional Airport, upwards of 4,000 attended the rally, which featured both Trump and his vice presidential running mate D.J. Vance. Many, if not most, of the crowd wore hats, shirts and even pants featuring Trump slogans.

The gates opened at 11 a.m. but Trump didn’t take the stage until 2:12 p.m. He said, “I thank North Carolina, I love North Carolina. We’re gonna win this state.”

The former president, who served from 2017-2021 before losing the White House to Joe Biden, talked about subjects from the economy to the border with Mexico, to crime and energy. But his focus was on national security. He declared that if his Democratic opponent Kamala Harris won, we would see the outbreak of world war.

Much of his commentary was leveled at Harris, whom he called “Comrade Kamala.” But President Biden was also the target of Trump criticism as well as former President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle.
The boisterous audience often broke out in applause of agreement and chants of “USA, USA.” There were occasional shouts of “I love you.”

At one point, Trump diverged from his speech to call for a doctor. Apparently, someone near the front of the seating section passed out. “Take your time, Doc,” Trump said.

In closing, Trump said, “We’re gonna do a great job for North Carolina, a great job for the United States. And we’re gonna make America great again!”

Ready for the former president

The outdoor rally had two bleachers behind the stage on either side with museum airplanes in the background and a flag overhead hanging from a tall crane. Special guest seating was up front facing the stage and behind that were media risers. There was standing room on either side of the seating section and behind the media area.

Traffic to the airport was routed to the southern end of Tot Hill Farm Road, leaving the northern portion of the road closed for the Trump motorcade. Those without parking passes parked on either side of the road with long walks to the airport. 

During the time leading up to the speech by Vance, the Trump 757 jet did a pass over the runway, to the shouts of the crowd. Meanwhile, men wielding military-style guns mounted on tripods could be seen atop two of the hangar buildings.

At about 1:30 p.m., a helicopter could be seen circling the airport ahead of the motorcade. Then, three NC Highway Patrol vehicles led a parade of some 18-20 vehicles that included an EMS van and several black SUVs.

At 2:12 p.m., Trump took the stage amid a raucous ovation from the crowd and a recording of “God Bless the USA.” Trump paid homage to a number of North Carolina sheriffs who came up on stage until the former president asked them to go back down since, he said, the stage undoubtedly wasn’t designed for all the weight.

There was a prominent Randolph County contingent at the beginning of programming. Members of the Randolph County Honor Guard presented the flag and NC Rep. Neal Jackson, who represents District 78, gave the invocation. Randolph County Sheriff Greg Seabolt led the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance and Marcus Lowry of the Asheboro Police Department sang the National Anthem. Finally, US Rep. Richard Hudson, serving the 9th District which includes Randolph County, spoke to the audience.

Supporters gotta support

To say Trump supporters are loyal to their candidate would be to understate their passion. Talk to one and you find a devotion tantamount to zeal, even love. 

Zack Lamb of Asheboro, a graduate of Appalachian State University, compared the Trump rally to his beloved Mountaineer football team’s phenomenal upset of Michigan several years ago. “I was there and it was awesome, unbelievable. We’ve got to get Trump re-elected. I like that he’s a Christian and his immigration and economic policies. And that he’s not super crazy.”

Carla Ingold, who made the short drive from Randleman, said, “I think we need to make sure to vote and get our man back in office so he can change all this corruption into a God-fearing country again. I like how he tells the truth and he’s not scared to step on toes. I like it that he loves this country with a passion.”

Jerry Gaines grew up in Siler City but now lives in Pleasant Garden, just over the Guilford County line. He said, “I’m an independent and I trust him. My granddaddy said you can talk to a man for three minutes and know if you want to talk to him any more. Donald Trump has a voice that you believe what he says. He believes in the people. I think he’s what we need. We’ll have a better economy with him.”

Kenny Kidd, a Randolph County commissioner, noted with a gleam in his eye that “it’s not every day the 47th president of the United States comes to Randolph County. I think it’s unique, how Republican Randolph County is. It's interesting that a very popular candidate would choose Randolph County (for a rally). Maybe it’s to stir up the base.”

Kidd said he had seen many young people at the event. “That’s neat that they have a historic and unique opportunity in their hometown.”

Perhaps the most traveled Trump supporter was Edward X. Young of Brick, New Jersey. “This is my 85th Trump rally,” he said. During the past nine years Young has attended a dozen rallies just in North Carolina.
“My farthest was to Wisconsin,” he said. “I drove 1,000 miles. I’ve been to rallies from Maine to Georgia and west to Wisconsin in my car. It has over 200,000 miles.

"I like it down here," said the 65-year-old. "I'm thinking of moving to North Carolina when I retire.
“I had to work yesterday till 6 o’clock. I got a buddy and we left at 7 p.m. and got here at 7 a.m. And I have to be back at work tomorrow. But I’ve done this before.”

Why does he do it? “A Trump rally is the greatest thing on earth. He’s a one-man show. He’s the first rockstar superhero president. 

“His rallies are a lot of fun but it’s a matter of life or death now.”

For a full video of Trump's speech, click here.

Prohibited items at the rally

Those attending the Trump rally were given the following list of prohibited items:
• Aerosols    
• Alcoholic beverages   
• Balloons    
• Balls    
• Banners, signs, placards    
• Drones and other unmanned aircraft systems    
• E-Cigarettes    
• Explosives of any kind (including fireworks)    
• Firearms    
• Glass, thermal and metal containers    
• Laser lights and laser pointers    
• Mace and/or pepper spray    
• Noisemakers, such as air horns, whistles, drums, bullhorns, etc.    
• Packages    
• Spray containers    
• Structures    
• Supports for signs/placards    
• Weapons    
• And any other items that may pose a threat to the security of the event as determined by and at the discretion of the security screeners.