As throngs of people chanted outside the Union Ballroom on Nov. 2 in protest, Donald Trump Jr. delivered a stump speech on behalf of his father, Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump.
Trump Jr.’s visit to Michigan follows an appearance by his father in Grand Rapids, and is one of several by the Trump family slated for this week. Trump Jr’s brother Eric and sister Ivanka, as well as Republican vice presidential candidate Gov. Mike Pence (R-Ind.), will also make appearances throughout the state.
Trump Jr. was introduced by Benghazi veteran Mark Geist, who spoke on his experiences at the scrutinized embassy strike from 2012.
“I do have an opinion on Hillary (Clinton), she killed two of my friends,” Geist said.
Other speakers included MSU Trustee Melanie Foster and MSU assistant professor Joseph Guzman, former Chicano/Latino Studies Program interim director.
Trump Jr. began his speech by appealing to MSU students, telling them they will have the biggest impact on the election.
“This is an important state, it’s a state we can win, and if we win it’s going to be because of people like yourselves,” Trump Jr. said. “You could make a difference, the move to the White House is going to go through college campuses.”
Trump Jr.’s speech focused on career politicians, who he said caused a mess in Washington, and the movement his father represents as a political outsider. Trump Jr. said the students’ generation will bear the brunt of the problem created by career politicians.
“This isn’t a campaign anymore, it’s actually a movement,” Trump Jr. said. “People are looking for change, a real change, and we have the opportunity to deliver that and he will deliver that.”
Trump Jr. said his father has lived for the American Dream, and while he could've retired happily and done whatever he wanted, he is running for president to preserve that ideal for others.
“My father doesn’t need this job… he’s lived the American Dream… Instead, he chose to get into this fight,” Trump Jr. said. “He wants to ensure the American Dream lives, so that everyone in this country, people of all ethnicities, all backgrounds can live as they dream.”
Trump Jr. called Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton the most corrupt candidate in history, and said if America elects her, it sends the message that political corruption is OK.
Trump Jr. emphasized Sen. Bernie Sanders’ victory in the Michigan primary as proof the state has rejected Clinton, also claiming that the Vermont senator was cheated by the DNC.
“We’re not supposed to win this state, but Hillary Clinton is coming here with five days left,” Trump Jr. said. “We’re going to win this state.”
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Trump Jr. ended his speech by calling the students to action.
“Make sure to get out and vote, make sure to help, to volunteer,” Trump Jr. said. “You guys are this movement, you guys are going to make the difference in this election.”
Outside the event, protesters gathered. The protest group included members of Culturas de las Razas Unidas, or CRU.
For coverage of the protests check out The State News coverage.
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