Former President Donald Trump’s rally at Madison Square Garden on Sunday started with high anticipation but quickly turned into an unexpected exodus, as his own supporters reportedly began leaving before he’d even finished speaking. According to CNN’s D.J.
Judd, Trump took the stage two hours late, and the restless crowd apparently wasn’t willing to wait around. As Judd noted, “supporters have begun streaming for the exits, even though he’s still speaking”—a rare and humbling moment for the former president.
The rally’s venue stirred its own controversy, with critics pointing out Madison Square Garden’s dark history as the site of a 1930s pro-Nazi gathering. Trump’s choice of location, combined with past accusations from insiders that he admired authoritarian tactics and even wished his generals showed loyalty akin to Hitler’s, reignited longstanding criticism.
Even before he took the stage, historians and activists questioned the optics of holding an event there, especially amid a racially charged atmosphere that raised eyebrows across the political spectrum.
The evening’s rhetoric hit a particular nerve, causing conservative commentator Meghan McCain to warn that the rally could “backfire” and damage Trump’s chances in 2024. One speaker’s remark was deemed so inflammatory that Trump’s own campaign and allies distanced themselves, though the damage was done.
The rally had taken on a tone many found unsettling, with Vice President Kamala Harris’ director of rapid response, Ammar Moussa, responding with a simple but telling “Oof.” He added, “Even Trump supporters are tired of his long, rambling performances focused entirely on himself.”
Adding to the night’s drama, artist Art Candee weighed in, bluntly calling the rally a “sad hate rally” and highlighting the irony of Trump supporters—typically loyal to the end—heading for the exits. For a president who has built his brand on unwavering support and packed arenas, the sight of fans leaving mid-speech was a striking shift.
The night left many wondering if Trump’s once rock-solid base might be cracking, with the “exit wave” underscoring a potential weariness even among his loyalists.
