GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – On a hot Saturday afternoon over the weekend, Grand Rapids’ Van Andel Arena was a sea of red hats and “Trump-Vance” signs waving in the air as former president Donald J. Trump took the stage. The 12,000-seat venue was filled to capacity, the result of lines that had stretched over 1.5 miles outside despite the sweltering heat and hours of fans waiting to get into the venue. Trump’s supporters, undeterred by the lines, the heat or the recent assassination attempt on his life, gathered in droves to show their unwavering support.

Security was tight, with Secret Service, TSA agents, and at least one K-9 unit ensuring the event proceeded without incident. Volunteers in “Team Trump” polos also ushered attendees to their seats, as the anticipation built for the former President’s arrival.

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Michigan politicians and Republican supporters filled seats close to the former president with Trump pointing out former GOP Rep. and Trump-endorsed senatorial candidate Mike Rogers; U.S. Rep. John James (R-Shelby Twp.); U.S. Rep. Jack Bergman (R-Watersmeet); failed GOP candidate for governor Tudor Dixon; U.S. Rep. Bill Huizenga (R-Holland Township); Michigan GOP Chair Pete Hoekstra and more. There was also a group of nuns in attendance on the floor close to the former president.

Pensler’s surprise exit from senate race and endorsement of Rogers.

The rally was marked by a significant development in Michigan’s political landscape with businessman Sandy Pensler announcing his withdrawal from the GOP primary for the U.S. Senate race, explaining, “My campaign was always about making America better. The best way to do that is to enact President Trump’s policies. To do that, we need control of the Senate. A divisive continued primary effort hurts the chances of that, and that’s not okay. So tonight, I’m doing the right thing and ceasing my Senate candidacy. It’s the right thing. President Trump endorsed Mike Rogers. Tonight, so am I.”

Pensler, who was one of the four Republican candidates vying for the seat left open by retiring Democrat Debbie Stabenow, made his announcement from the stage alongside Rogers, emphasizing the need for party unity after Trump introduced him and Rogers to speak about halfway into the rally. Pensler’s exit narrows the field for the GOP primary, leaving Rogers, former Congressman Justin Amash, and physician Sherry O’Donnell in the race. Rogers, who received Trump’s endorsement in March, is now seen as the frontrunner. The winner will go up against the winner of the Democratic primary – either candidate U.S. Rep. Elissa Slotkin, who is the frontrunner, or actor Hill Harper.

Trump’s attacks and promises.

Trump, in his characteristic style, didn’t hold back in his criticisms during the rally. He attacked Michigan Democratic Governor Gretchen Whitmer, labeling her as “terrible” and suggesting he would relish running against her if Biden dropped out. He also took aim at the Democrats, particularly President Joe Biden, who was, at the time, facing pressure within his own party to step down as the nominee.

In a surprising turn of events, Biden announced on Sunday that he is dropping out of the 2024 presidential race and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris.

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At the rally, citing constant accusations by the Democratic Party about being a threat to democracy, Trump asked, “What the hell did I do for democracy? Last week, I took a bullet for democracy,” referring to the recent attempt on his life. And instead of sporting the large white bandage he’s been wearing since the shooting, he wore a small flesh-colored bandage over his right ear, still a stark reminder of the attack.

John James and the future of Michigan’s auto industry.

In a significant moment during his speech, Trump hinted at a potential cabinet position for John James, a rising star in the Michigan GOP and former Senate candidate. Trump emphasized the importance of reviving Michigan’s auto industry, which has seen many jobs outsourced to Mexico.

“We can’t let these companies come in and steal our wealth, steal our jobs, destroy our companies and end up building it (auto factories) ten miles across the border and think we’re going to allow them to get away with it – we’re not,” Trump declared. “They have to build it over here and they have to use our people and it’s going to happen. And Michigan will benefit more than any state in the union because they stole your auto industry and we’re going to bring it back and it’s going to be at a level that it was in its height. You hear that, John James, you hear that? I’m going to put John James in charge.”

This statement suggests a possible future role for James in the Trump administration, likely focusing on trade, manufacturing, and economic development, potentially as Secretary of Commerce. This role would align with Trump’s promise to bring back manufacturing jobs to the U.S. and rejuvenate Michigan’s economy.

Rallying the base.

The rally in Grand Rapids appeared to be more than just a campaign stop; it was a demonstration of Trump’s enduring influence over his base and the Republican Party. With chants of “Let’s go Trump!” and “Never Surrender,” the energy in the arena was palpable. Michigan Republican party chair Pete Hoekstra set the tone early, calling for the end of the “blue wall” of Midwestern states and rallying the crowd against Governor Whitmer.

It was the first rally since the attempted assassination of Trump and it was also the first rally with his VP pick, J.D. Vance.

As Trump continues his appearances on the campaign trail, events like this one in Grand Rapids show that his base remains fervently loyal, ready to support him through thick and thin. As the August 6th primary approaches, all eyes will be on Michigan, a critical battleground state in the 2024 election with Trump ready to fight against any candidate that the Democrats eventually come up with.