In a surprising move, former President Donald Trump has announced his intention to host a campaign rally in the Bronx on Thursday, as he sets his sights on flipping the traditionally Democratic stronghold of New York red in the upcoming November elections. The rally, scheduled to take place at 6 p.m. in Crotona Park, will mark Trump's first major event in the state since 2016.

According to reports, the rally is expected to draw a crowd of up to 3,500 people, showcasing the growing support for Trump in the deep blue state. Just last week, Trump held a record-breaking rally in New Jersey, attracting an estimated 100,000 supporters. The campaign's permit for the Bronx event comes shortly after this massive show of support.

Trump's campaign wasted no time in criticizing President Biden's record, particularly regarding crime and inflation. The campaign claimed that New York City and the state as a whole have suffered from significant surges in violent crime under Biden's leadership, with murders up 23.1% and felony assault up 35.4% compared to 2019 levels. These statistics were presented as evidence of the purported detrimental effects of the current administration's policies.

Highlighting his fondness for the state he once called home, Trump's campaign stated, "The Empire State, a place near to President Trump's heart, has been decimated by Biden." They promised that a Trump presidency would address the financial pressures faced by households, restore law and order, and combat illegal immigration to "Make America Great Again."

The news of Trump's rally has sparked mixed responses from political figures and residents alike. Representative Ritchie John Torres, a Democrat representing the 15th Congressional District where the rally will be held, criticized Trump, calling him an enemy of the South Bronx and accusing him of wanting to dismantle the social safety net. However, not all business owners in the area were aware of the rally, with some expressing support for Trump's policies.

As the rally announcement unfolds, inflation and its impact on businesses and families have emerged as key concerns. Trump's campaign emphasized the rising prices in the state, with a staggering inflation rate of 17.5% since Biden took office. The campaign argued that New York families continue to suffer from high inflation on everyday goods.

This move by Trump to campaign in New York comes after his recent visit to Upper Manhattan, where he expressed his intentions to "straighten New York out" due to the perceived decline in the city's conditions over the past few years.

With the rally approaching, all eyes will be on the Bronx as Trump aims to mobilize support and challenge the Democratic hold on the state. The outcome of these efforts remains uncertain, as New York has traditionally been considered a deep blue state. However, recent political shifts and the growing support for Trump indicate that the state might not be as solidly Democratic as once thought. The rally on Thursday will undoubtedly be a significant event in the ongoing battle for political dominance in New York.