Trump's Vegas Pitch: Economy, Safety, and the 'China Virus'

Former President Donald Trump hopped on stage in Las Vegas on Thursday for his first rally targeting Asian American and Pacific Islander voters. The event, "Unite for Change, " was hosted by a conservative group called "Turning Point USA. " Trump talked about the economy, public safety, and immigration, but he also stirred controversy by calling Covid-19 the “China virus. ”

Nevada has seen a shift in Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) support. In 2020, Biden won 64% of their votes, but Trump isn’t far behind with 35%. By 2022, AAPI support for Democrats saw a dip, only voting blue by an 8% margin in the Nevada governor's race. Trump's rally was an attempt to woo this diverse group. He praised the Filipino community, saying he admired their clothing. But his “China virus” remark has been linked to increased anti-Asian hate. Vivek Ramaswamy, a former presidential candidate, also spoke at the event, sharing his family’s immigrant story and advocating for strong immigration policies.

Actions