Donald Trump Rallies in Gastonia to Support Michael Whatley

President Donald Trump held a campaign rally on September 16 at the Gastonia Municipal Airport to support Republican U.S. Senate nominee Michael Whatley. The event marked Trump's first major campaign stop following the Republican midterm convention and served as a push to close a polling gap for Whatley, who trails Democratic nominee and former Governor Roy Cooper. An Elon University poll from September 10 showed Cooper leading Whatley 49% to 38%.

During the rally, Trump urged supporters to pretend he was on the ballot and characterized the election as a choice between safety and lawlessness. He and Whatley attacked Cooper's record on public safety, specifically the release of approximately 4,200 prisoners and the use of cashless bail. Trump also criticized Cooper's handling of Hurricane Helene and made inaccurate claims regarding Cooper's responsibility for a 2025 stabbing death. Attorney General Todd Blanche also spoke at the event, highlighting reductions in fentanyl trafficking.

Democrats have countered by focusing on economic affordability and Whatley's personal investments in energy firms during the Iran war. Cooper launched a Make Stuff Cost Less tour to link the Republican candidates to rising living costs. While Republicans have outspent Democrats, with over $50 million spent compared to $35.2 million, the race remains a critical battleground for control of the U.S. Senate following the retirement of Senator Thom Tillis.