This was an unavoidable setback.
Former President Donald Trump unexpectedly called off his North Carolina rally on Saturday evening, citing stormy weather as the primary reason for the cancellation.
Despite not yet arriving at the venue, Trump dialed in to announce the decision as thunder rumbled and rain clouds loomed overhead, signaling an impending downpour.
Speaking to the crowd through the speaker system, Trump regretfully informed them, “There appears to be some thunder and lightning. It’s quite a significant storm, so with your understanding, I believe we’ll need to postpone this event for now.” Disappointed murmurs and sighs reverberated through the audience before they dispersed swiftly.
The rally was poised to mark Trump’s first public appearance since the onset of his criminal trial in Manhattan. Despite the setback, Trump assured attendees of a rescheduled event, promising to offer a rain check.
“We’ll make arrangements to reconvene at a later date, as soon as possible,” Trump assured the crowd. “I’m truly sorry for this inconvenience. I’m here in North Carolina right now.”
Planned as an outdoor gathering near the Wilmington airport, safety concerns mounted with the looming threat of lightning strikes, prompting Trump to prioritize the well-being of his supporters.
Beyond the weather-related disappointment, the North Carolina rally held strategic importance as the second campaign event in the state, a pivotal battleground instrumental to both Trump’s and Biden’s electoral fortunes. Trump narrowly clinched victory in North Carolina during the 2020 election by a slim margin of less than 1.5%.
Meanwhile, Trump’s legal battles took center stage during the week as he attended jury selection for his criminal trial. Facing 34 counts of first-degree falsifying business records, the trial centers on allegations of concealing payments to adult film star Stormy Daniels ahead of the 2016 election.
With opening statements slated to commence on Monday, the trial is anticipated to unfold over six to eight weeks, casting a shadow over Trump’s political trajectory.
