As the final hours tick down before Election Day, Donald Trump delivered a forceful speech in Pennsylvania, describing the United States as an “occupied country” overrun by immigrants. The former president pledged to “rescue every city and town that has been invaded and conquered,” casting his campaign as a last stand against what he portrayed as unchecked immigration, economic hardship, and a broken voting system. His address reflects the familiar, stark rhetoric that marked his initial run for office, as Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris each make their final case to voters before the critical 2024 election.
America as an “Occupied Country”
Speaking to a packed rally in Pennsylvania, a crucial battleground state, Trump painted a dark picture of America. He lumped together undocumented immigrants and legal migrants, suggesting both groups contributed to a loss of American control. “These are military invasions without the uniforms. That’s all it is,” Trump said, echoing language from his 2016 campaign when he pledged to end what he called “American carnage.” Trump claimed that immigration has led to rising crime and diminished safety, using examples from various states to support his stance.
One example he cited was an apartment complex in Colorado, which he claimed was “overrun” by undocumented immigrants. He also referred to thousands of Haitian migrants living legally in Springfield, Ohio, framing these communities as symbols of a nation slipping out of American control. Trump vowed a sweeping response, pledging a massive deportation operation to “take back” the country.
Trump’s Aggressive Anti-Immigration Pledge
Trump’s Pennsylvania speech leaned heavily on anti-immigration proposals. Among his promises were aggressive measures aimed at migrant communities, including a crackdown on gang activity and a ban on sanctuary cities. He proposed the death penalty for any undocumented immigrant convicted of killing a U.S. citizen, doubling down on a hardline stance that has animated his political base since 2016. To emphasize his point, Trump invited conservative commentator Megyn Kelly on stage, where she recounted stories of Americans killed by undocumented immigrants—a pointed reminder of Trump’s 2015 criticism of Kelly during a Republican debate.
Economic Promises Amid Warnings of Inflation
Alongside his anti-immigration rhetoric, Trump reiterated his vision for an American economic revival. He called for steep tariffs on goods such as Mexican-manufactured automotive parts and Chinese steel. Although economists warn that such tariffs would likely drive up inflation by raising costs for American consumers, Trump maintained that his plan would restore U.S. manufacturing and bring jobs back to American soil.
In a direct attack on his opponent, Trump declared, “Four years of Kamala have delivered nothing but economic hell for the American workers.” His criticism reflects the broader economic dissatisfaction that he hopes will drive voters to the polls.
Electoral System Under Scrutiny
Trump also took the opportunity to criticize the U.S. voting system, challenging both the length of time it takes to tally votes and the use of electronic voting machines. He advocated for a single-day, paper-only voting system, diverging from previous advice from his campaign urging early voting. “I do believe it is too big to rig. I think it’s too big to rig. They’ll try. And they are trying, you know, but it’s too big to rig,” Trump said, alluding to allegations of election fraud. “We have to win the old-fashioned way and then fix it,” he added, calling for greater federal oversight of state-run elections.
Trump further argued that the states, which handle voting logistics, should act as “agents” of the federal government, especially in high-stakes elections. His comments underscored his ongoing distrust of the electoral system, despite a lack of evidence supporting widespread fraud.
Trump’s Busy Schedule in Final Campaign Hours
Monday’s rally was the third of four planned appearances by Trump as he crisscrossed the country on the eve of Election Day. After stopping in North Carolina and eastern Pennsylvania earlier in the day, Trump ended his campaign blitz with a final rally in Michigan. His choice to spend significant time in Pennsylvania underscores the strategic importance of the state’s 19 electoral votes, without which Trump’s path to victory would narrow considerably.
During the rally, Trump paid homage to Pittsburgh’s sports heritage by discussing baseball star Roberto Clemente. In a sentimental moment, he invited Clemente’s son on stage to address the crowd, connecting with the region’s cultural history as he delivered his closing message.
Harris Rallies in Pennsylvania as Campaigns Focus on Key Battlegrounds
Meanwhile, Vice President Kamala Harris also ended her campaign efforts in Pennsylvania, further emphasizing the state’s role as a key player in the electoral map. Both campaigns have directed their efforts toward seven critical battleground states. The “blue wall” states—Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin—were won by Trump in 2016 but reclaimed by President Joe Biden in 2020, while the Sun Belt states of Arizona, Georgia, Nevada, and North Carolina have become increasingly competitive.
Both candidates are counting on these states to carry them across the 270 electoral-vote threshold. For Harris and the Democrats, maintaining control of the traditionally blue Rust Belt states is crucial, while Trump is focused on flipping back states that narrowly went to Biden in the last election.
