Donald Trump officially announced his 2020 campaign on Tuesday evening with a raucous rally in Orlando, Florida, where Trump treated 20,000 of his most loyal fans with a production more reminiscent of his 2016 shock-jock performances than a new and improved reelection bid.
And it definitely seemed tired and that Trump needs a new schtick, since much of it was him railing against Hillary Clinton, who isn’t running in 2020.
The Trump campaign went above and beyond to ensure there was no question about how much Florida loves Trump.
According to the New York Times [1], the campaign rented buses to bring in supporters from across the state to fill the 20,000 seat venue and an overflow crowd outside. Aides also made sure to tell the Times that the crowd was bigger than any seen at Democratic candidates’ announcements.
Eric Trump just said there are 100,000 people here in Orlando for Trump’s rally. The 20,000 seat arena is currently not full.
— Philip Crowther (@PhilipinDC) June 18, 2019 [2]
While the arena was filled to the brim, the Times pointed out that many of the supporters didn’t stay for the entire speech.
Trump earlier hyped his crowd size, saying it was a record:
Big Rally tomorrow night in Orlando, Florida, looks to be setting records. We are building large movie screens outside to take care of everybody. Over 100,000 requests. Our Country is doing great, far beyond what the haters & losers thought possible – and it will only get better!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 17, 2019 [3]
Thousands of people are already lined up in Orlando, some two days before tomorrow nights big Rally. Large Screens and food trucks will be there for those that can’t get into the 25,000 capacity arena. It will be a very exciting evening! Make America Great Again!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 18, 2019 [4]
But that just wasn’t the case!
Looks like a few hundred people are watching on the big screens outside the Amway Center. Not packed to the brim by any means. pic.twitter.com/fbdD6lwCOH [5]
— Michael Williams (@michaeldamianw) June 19, 2019 [6]