On November 5, 2024, former President Donald Trump held his final campaign rally at Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids, Michigan, just after midnight. This event marked the third consecutive time he concluded his campaign in Grand Rapids, having previously done so in 2016 and 2020. Trump emphasized the significance of his rallies, stating, "there’s never been anything like it and there never will be" [5a82ced4].
Earlier that day, Trump campaigned in North Carolina and Pennsylvania, reinforcing his strategy of focusing on critical swing states as the 2024 election approached. Michigan, which Trump narrowly won in 2016 but lost to President Biden in 2020, is viewed as a pivotal battleground for both campaigns, with increased efforts to sway voters compared to previous elections [5a82ced4].
During his speech, Trump expressed gratitude to his supporters and reflected on his nine years in politics, marking the end of an era characterized by large, enthusiastic rallies. This farewell to his "big beautiful rallies" underscores the importance he placed on direct engagement with his base throughout his political career [5a82ced4].
The rally followed a series of events where Trump focused on economic promises and immigration policies, as seen in his previous rally at Penn State on October 26, 2024. There, he criticized the Biden administration and reiterated his plans for corporate tax cuts and a large deportation program, which resonated with his supporters [a92cfea7]. As the election draws near, Trump's rallies have become increasingly significant in shaping voter sentiment and mobilizing support ahead of the crucial voting period [5a82ced4][a92cfea7].