SALEM, Va. – With just three days until election day, Former President Donald Trump made a campaign stop in Salem Saturday evening.
He sees an opening to be the first Republican to win the Commonwealth’s electoral votes since George W. Bush in 2004.
He spoke for more than 90 minutes, covering a range of topics with some local touches.
A confident Donald Trump walked out on stage at the Salem Civic Center. Confident in his message, and confident that he will win Virginia on election night.
“I will end inflation, I will stop the invasion of criminals into our country, and I will bring back the American dream,” said Trump.
His speech touched on familiar themes with some local flair; including the issue of transgender participation in sports.
He invited the Roanoke College Women’s Swim Team, members of which opposed a transgender woman joining the team last year after that person swam on the men’s team in the previous year.
In the end, that swimmer chose not to join the women’s team.
“The brave members of the swim team stood up to the transgender fanatics,” he stated.
Roanoke College issued a statement regarding the women’s statements at the rally:
“Dear Maroons:
We are aware that during an off-campus political rally in Salem this evening, former President Donald Trump referenced the Roanoke College women’s swim team, some of whom took the stage and exercised their right to free expression.
The College was unaware of their participation, and they represent only their individual points of view.
Our students, including those with diverse political perspectives and those with LGBTQ+ identities, are gifts to our community and deeply valued.
In this moment, we can turn against each other and ignite division, thereby adding to the bounty of suffering already too prevalent in our world. However, in my time at Roanoke College, I’ve been inspired by what I’ve seen repeatedly: people who take the road less traveled and aspire to the highest virtues of love, humility, respect, and kindness. This is who we are at Roanoke College, and this is why, as an affiliated member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), we are rooted and open."
Frank Shushok, Jr., Ph.D. President of Roanoke College
Trump also once again criticized FEMA’s response to Helene and the Biden-Harris administration’s immigration policies.
He also called Harris unqualified for the white house.