President Donald Trump held a campaign rally in Bullhead City on Wednesday, warning that Democrats would “destroy our country” as he urged Arizona voters to back Republican candidates up and down the ballot with less than three weeks until Election Day.
Trump appeared alongside Republican gubernatorial nominee Rep. Andy Biggs, who is running against Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs, and used the stop to push for a sweep of statewide offices.
“On election night, Arizona is going to prove that America does not belong to those who hate it,” Trump told the crowd. “America belongs to those who love, love, love, love — love it.”
Biggs joined Trump onstage and referenced Trump’s February State of the Union address, accusing Democrats of refusing to stand when Trump challenged lawmakers on their commitment to Americans.
“Vote Republican top to bottom. Let’s turn Arizona red,” Biggs said.
Trump recalled the same address, pointing to lawmakers’ reactions during a tribute to a veteran honored that night.
“Not one Democrat smiled or clapped,” Trump said. “And that’s when I looked at them and I said, ‘You people are crazy.’ But that’s what we have. They’ll destroy our country.”
Trump’s recollection combined separate moments from the Feb. 24 address, during which he awarded the Medal of Honor to retired Navy Capt. E. Royce Williams, who was 100 at the time, and recognized World War II veteran George “Buddy” Taggart. The moment that drew a partisan divide came when Trump asked lawmakers to affirm that the government’s first duty was to protect American citizens rather than illegal immigrants, prompting Republicans to rise while many Democrats stayed seated. Democratic Sen. John Fetterman of Pennsylvania has said he stood to recognize honored guests, including veterans.
During the Bullhead City rally, Trump repeatedly criticized Hobbs, calling her a “low IQ individual” as he campaigned for Biggs to unseat her.
Trump also praised Biggs’ running mate, former state Sen. Sine Kerr, who is seeking to become Arizona’s first lieutenant governor after Biggs selected her for the newly created office in July.
He urged support for Republican secretary of state candidate Alex Kolodin, calling him “a warrior for election integrity” while criticizing Democratic incumbent Adrian Fontes. Trump also joked with Kolodin about his appearance, telling him, “You look good, central casting, actually,” and adding that he looked “a little bit nerdy.”
Trump gave shoutouts to Republican Reps. Paul Gosar, Abe Hamadeh and Eli Crane, calling Hamadeh and Crane “warriors,” and praised congressional candidate Mark Lamb, calling him “a friend of mine” and urging voters to elect him to represent Arizona’s 5th Congressional District.
The rally also included a tribute to conservative activist Charlie Kirk on what would have been his 33rd birthday. Trump called Kirk “a great person, a great man, a great friend of mine,” as the crowd chanted “Charlie! Charlie!” Trump offered support to Kirk’s widow, Erika, and their family, then turned the remembrance into a call to action.
“In Charlie’s honor, we want you to go out and vote,” Trump said. “He’d be out there fighting like nobody else. So let’s have a big victory in honor of Charlie Kirk.”
