WH out of town pool report #5/ Arrival at rally
- From
- David Smith
- Sent
- Wednesday, September 16, 2026 7:24 PM
POTUS's motorcade reached Gastonia Municipal Airport, North Carolina, the venue for tonight's open air campaign rally, at 7.04pm. Numerous people lined the streets, holding up their cellphones as the motorcade passed. Pool left the press vans and went straight to the media area.
The weather is 81°F with a clear blue sky. Loud music is booming including James Brown's 'It's A Man's Man's Man's World' and Sinead O'Connor's 'Nothing Compares 2 U'.
The presidential lectern is set up behind protective glass with supporters standing behind on ascending steps. Behind them are two big US flags (one in colour, one black and white) and a blue banner that says: 'Making America safe again.' Secret service agents with equipment are clearly visible on the roof above.
A giant US flag is hanging from a crane to stage left. The image of a giant US flag is shown on a video screen to stage right. People are standing or sitting on the tarmac in front of the lectern and in stands to the left and right. Some are wearing red 'Make America great again' caps and at least one is wearing a 'Trump 2028' cap.
David Smith
Washington bureau chief
Guardian News & Media