Donald Trump rally in Wilmington, NC, ahead of the November 2024 elections

(This story has been updated to add new information, photos, a video and to correct a typo.)

Former President Donald Trump, who is running as the Republican presidential candidate, took the stage at his rally in Wilmington shortly after 2:30 p.m. on Saturday. The campaign rally was held at the Aero Center near Wilmington International Airport. Trump is running against Democratic candidate and Vice President Kamala Harris. He spoke for just over an hour.

Here are the highlights from his performance and speech.

Trump introduces grandchildren | 3.15 p.m.

Trump took time during Saturday's rally to introduce the crowd to two of his grandchildren – Carolina and Luke. They are the children of Eric and Lara Trump. Lara, Trump's daughter-in-law, is a Wrightsville Beach native. She is currently co-chair of the Republican National Committee.

Trump lifted Carolina up and brought her to the microphone, where she said “Make America Great Again.” He then called out Luke. As Trump lifted him to the microphone, Luke said, “Vote for grandpa.” Trump then noted that he had whispered to Luke to say MAGA, but he walked out alone. Trump also joked that Luke had “the gene” because he took a few extra seconds to leave the stage and wave to the crowd.

More:Eric and Lara Trump are happy about their second baby, President Trump’s tenth grandchild: “We love you already!”

Trump takes the stage | 2:35 p.m.

Trump took the stage at 2:35 p.m. He commented on the size of the crowd and quickly noted that he was going to win the election. He also announced that he was going to win North Carolina as the crowd chanted “Trump, Trump, Trump.”

He spoke from behind a kind of bulletproof glass.

Within minutes, Trump launched attacks against Kamala Harris, saying she was not competent enough to be president. He also addressed gun rights, immigration, the economy and other issues.

Trump arrives in Wilmington | 2 p.m.

Shortly before 2 p.m., the crowd was informed that Trump's plane was approaching. It could be seen flying over the outdoor event as the crowd cheered. The plane landed shortly after 2 p.m.

The rally has begun, speakers are heating up the crowd | 1pm

The program began at 12 noon, beginning with a recorded video of the Republican presidential candidate on the main monitor. Pastor Blake Spencer led an opening prayer. Luke Farley, candidate for Secretary of Labor, led the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance. John Cummings, Chairman of the Robeson County Board of Commissioners, then took the stage.

“I love Wilmington,” Cummings said, addressing issues such as crime, immigration and drug abuse in his speech.

More:Trump was able to win over voters from the largest Native American tribe in North Carolina. How?

At around 12:30 p.m., US Congressman David Rouzer took the stage.

“We put the country on a path of great prosperity,” Rouzer said of Trump's previous term as president. Rouzer addressed issues such as crime, veterans' care, border control, inflation and more. Rouzer expressed his opposition to Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris.

“It is not personality that will destroy a country, but bad politics,” said Rouzer.

Democrats speak before rally | 12:20 p.m.

Just hours before Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump was scheduled to hold a rally at Wilmington International Airport, Democrats held a press conference where several politicians and local activists gathered to sharply criticize the former president's “extreme agenda.”

Recent polls show the candidates in North Carolina virtually tied, with the small group of undecided voters expected to decide who wins the state and the crucial 16 electoral college votes.

On Saturday morning, Democratic activists worked hard to explain to these voters why they should support their candidates, and Harris in particular.

More:Democrats speak out as Trump arrives in Wilmington for political rally

Immigration and inflation are the most important issues for Trump supporters | Mittag

Angela Wilcox stood in a long line of attendees waiting outside a food and beverage stand around 11:30 a.m. Wilcox had traveled from Charlotte and was attending her fifth Trump rally today. The border and the economy are the most important issues for her in this election. When asked if Wilcox wanted to comment on Mark Robinson's absence from the rally following the recent controversy, Wilcox said, “Who knows what is true at this point.”

Similar to Wilcox, Bob Sloan, another rally attendee, said immigration and inflation would be top priorities in the 2024 presidential election. Sloan described the atmosphere as “peaceful,” adding that he believes Trump is the best candidate because “he's not a politician.”

Matt Mercer, communications director for the North Carolina Republican Party, was present at Saturday's rally. Mercer attended Trump's rally planned for April, which was ultimately postponed due to severe weather. About 9,000 people attended the April rally, Mercer said, and he expects a larger crowd today. Trump is expected to address the cost of living, housing and the economy in his remarks today, Mercer said, issues that have a direct impact in North Carolina communities like Wilmington.

Responding to the recent allegations against Mark Robinson, Mercer said the chairman of the North Carolina Republican Party had previously called the allegations “deeply disturbing,” adding that Robinson has some explaining to do to North Carolina voters.

Gates to Trump rally open | 10:30 a.m.

At 10:20 a.m., attendees began to take their seats in the hall. Many wore Trump t-shirts and other related items. Music played in the background and several food and drink vendors lined the interior entrance.

A screen above guests waiting in line displays a list of items prohibited by the United States Secret Service. Prohibited items include backpacks, chairs, umbrellas, weapons and more.

Crowd at rally grows | 8:15 a.m.

On Saturday morning, the parking lots in front of the Wilmington Aero Center filled up at 8 a.m.

A vendor who accompanies Trump's camp team to sell merchandise outside his rallies said he came Friday night to set up his tent and arrived at 3:30 a.m. Saturday morning to begin selling to customers.

Mark Robinson is not expected at the event | 8am

The Associated Press reported Friday that Mark Robinson, North Carolina's lieutenant governor and the Republican candidate for governor, has frequently appeared at events in North Carolina celebrating former President Donald Trump's third run for the White House, but will not be at Trump's campaign rally in Wilmington on Saturday.

Meanwhile, the Fayetteville Observer reports that Robinson will appear at a meet and greet in Fayetteville on Saturday night. The event followed a CNN report this week alleging that he made comments on an adult website called “Nude Africa” in which he said he enjoyed transgender pornography and referred to himself as a “pervert” and a “black NAZI.”

More:After allegations regarding adult websites, Mark Robinson hosts a meet and greet in Fayetteville

CNN's report included screenshots of the username on the site, as well as phrases and biographical information Robinson has used. Robinson denied the allegations in videos he posted to his social media pages on Thursday, calling the report “offensive tabloid garbage” and claiming his opponent was behind the leaked report.

What to expect when Trump arrives in Wilmington | 6:30 a.m.

On Saturday morning, around 6:15 a.m., there were already 100 people queuing in front of the stands setting up their stands for the event.

The rally will be held on the grounds of Wilmington International Airport at the Aero Center, 1830 Flightline Road, Wilmington. Doors open at 10 a.m.

Donald Trump rally in Wilmington, NC, ahead of the November 2024 elections

Trump introduces grandchildren | 3.15 p.m.

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