President Donald Trump held a campaign rally in Greenville, North Carolina, on Tuesday, announcing new semiconductor manufacturing incentives to support Republican Senate candidate Michael Whatley in his bid to unseat Democratic incumbent Roy Cooper. The event marked Trump’s second visit to North Carolina in four weeks as part of a broader midterm campaign blitz across multiple states.
Trump urges voters to 'pretend' he is on the ballot
During the rally, Trump reiterated his call for voters to support Republican candidates as if he were on the ballot, stating, 'Please pretend I'm on a ballot. And in a way, I am on the ballot.' He emphasized his past electoral success in North Carolina, claiming the state delivered 'almost 50 percent or some more votes' in his presidential runs. Two protesters were removed from the event shortly after Trump began speaking, though their specific actions were not detailed in reports.
Semiconductor incentives unveiled to bolster Whatley’s campaign
Trump, alongside Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, announced two new semiconductor production initiatives in North Carolina aimed at creating jobs and economic investment. The proposals are framed as part of a broader effort to strengthen Republican prospects in the state ahead of the November midterms. The initiatives follow reports that some Republican PACs have quietly reduced funding for Whatley’s Senate campaign, though the total impact on his race remains unclear.
Whatley trails Cooper in North Carolina Senate race
As of the latest reporting, Michael Whatley remains behind Roy Cooper in polling for the Senate seat. Trump’s visit and the new economic proposals seek to reverse this trend by highlighting Republican policy priorities, including job creation and industrial development. The rally underscored Trump’s active role in shaping the GOP’s midterm messaging, with North Carolina serving as a key battleground for control of the Senate.
Background: North Carolina’s political landscape
North Carolina has been a critical state for Trump’s past campaigns, with his 2016 and 2020 victories contributing to Republican gains in the state. The 2024 Senate race between Whatley and Cooper has drawn national attention, with both parties investing significant resources to secure the seat. Trump’s campaign events and policy announcements are intended to galvanize Republican turnout and reinforce party unity ahead of the elections.