Capacity crowd in Nassau Coliseum welcomes Donald Trump

The Nassau Coliseum in Uniondale was filled to capacity as former President Donald Trump, the Republican nominee for president, strode to the stage around 7 p.m. on Sept. 18 to a crowd that welcomed him warmly.

Trump criticized Vice President Kamala Harris’s policies, particularly the Democratic nominee’s stance on immigration and taxes. He claims to have cut taxes for families and businesses, and promises to restore the state economy and secure the border.

He criticized Harris for mishandling the border, leading to what he said was a surge in illegal immigration and crime that have hit home on Long Island and across New York. However, according to the most recent crimes statistics, Nassau County was ranked the safest county in the country.  

Trump highlighted what he called the influx of MS-13 gang members and the alleged failure to address migrant crime. He claimed that Harris supports policies that are detrimental to national security and economic stability, such as high taxes and amnesty for illegals.

“Our country's going down,” he said. “If you look at what's happening with the Venezuelans taking over, I mean, they're taking over large pieces of real estate in Colorado, and they have a Democrat governor who's petrified of them. He's afraid. I never seen anything like it, and he doesn't want to talk about it. They've taken over your buildings and your land. You got to do something about it. 

“That wouldn't happen with Bruce Blakeman, I can tell you that right now,” he added, with “Bruce” chants following. Blakeman is the Nassau County executive.

Trump also addressed global affairs.

“I will settle the war in Ukraine,” he said. “I got along very well with Putin and I will end the chaos in the Middle East. A vote for Kamala Harris is a vote to obliterate Israel.”

Before Trump took center stage, several other people spoke including three Congressional candidates.

Incumbent Rep. Anthony D’Esposito is seeking a second term in the 4th Congressional District, which covers most of the South shore of Nassau County. Democrat Laura Gillen who lost to D’Esposito two years ago is opposing him.  

“I stand for a secure border, I stand for backing law enforcement, I stand for growing our economy, I stand for putting America first,” he said.

Nick LaLota, who is also running for re-election in the 1st C.D., further out east in Suffolk County. His Democratic opponent is John Avlon, a former CNN commentator.

“I believe America is the greatest nation the world has ever known,” LaLota said. “We have provided more freedom, more prosperity, and more opportunity than any other nation in the world’s history.”

In the 3rd Congressional District, which covers good portion of the county’s North Shore in Nassau and chunk of Queens, Michael LiPetri Jr. is facing off again Democrat Tom Suozzi, who won the special election for the House seat in February following the ouster of George Santos.

“This is our time to restore common sense, to create safe, secure, and affordable communities, enabling law abiding citizens and deterring these criminal behaviors, making sure we have secure borders, a safe America, making sure we have peace across the world, making sure we’re standing with the Jewish community, and making sure we stand with Israel,” LiPetri said.

Blakeman said that the county safeguards its residents quality of life.

“Nassau County protects the integrity and safety of women’s sports, and Nassau County unmasked the criminals, antisemites, and hate mongers,” he said.