Trump, Whatley Emphasize Administration’s Track Record at Rally
Trump backed Michael Whatley’s Senate bid and blamed Roy Cooper for crime and Hurricane Helene recovery failures, while touting federal aid and a $5,000 dividend plan.
- On Wednesday, President Donald Trump held a campaign rally in Gastonia, North Carolina, to support Republican Senate candidate Michael Whatley, calling his Democratic opponent, former Governor Roy Cooper, a "murderer-protector."
- Trump's criticism centered on Cooper's record, blaming him for the release of DeCarlos Brown Jr., accused of killing Iryna Zarutska, and accusing the former governor of doing "nothing" after Hurricane Helene.
- Official records contradict these characterizations; the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction stated Brown served his full sentence, and state data shows violent crime fell 4.3% in 2024.
- Polling from East Carolina University shows Cooper leading Whatley 46% to 39%, with 14% undecided, while Whatley positioned himself as a "law-and-order candidate."
- With midterm elections seven weeks away, affordability remains central to voters. Trump reiterated his promise to issue $5,000 dividend checks if Republicans retain control of Congress.
25 Articles
25 Articles
‘Blood-soaked killing fields’: Fact-checking Trump and Whatley’s claims about Cooper and crime in NC
President Donald Trump joined Republican US Senate candidate Michael Whatley in Gastonia to bash Whatley’s Democratic opponent, former North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper.
Trump stumps for Whatley in Gastonia
RALEIGH — President Donald Trump made a stop in Gastonia on Wednesday evening, stumping for Michael Whatley, the Republican candidate for the North Carolina’s U.S. Senate seat. Gastonia is Whatley’s hometown. Supporters packed the stands arranged around a hangar at the Gastonia Municipal Airport,
Trump threatens to pull disaster aid from North Carolina if his candidate loses in the midterms — then says he was ‘kidding’
Donald Trump was in North Carolina to campaign for Republican Senate candidate Michael Whatley. Then he appeared to tie disaster relief money to the outcome of the election. During a rally in Gastonia on Wednesday night, Trump said North Carolina was still waiting for additional federal money to help repair damage from Hurricane Helene. “Michael […]
Trump Goes To North Carolina To Help Republicans—Then Trashes The State
Donald J. Trump traveled to North Carolina on Wednesday to build support for Republican Senate candidate Michael Whatley. Instead, he spent much of the event insulting the state, attacking former Gov. Roy Cooper and making a series of claims that don't line up neatly with the facts. Trump declared that North Carolina had become one of the most violent states in the country, blaming Cooper and calling him a “murderer protector.” He also repeated …
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