President Donald Trump returned to Ohio on Monday for his second rally in the state in 10 days, touting the size of the crowd as he campaigned for Republicans ahead of the November midterm elections. An energetic and lively audience filled the Covelli Centre in Youngstown, with local outlets reporting that rally-goers began lining up hours before doors opened. Some empty seats were also visible in footage from inside the venue.
Hours before the rally, Trump said that a “big crowd” was expected in Ohio. See you later, Ohio!” Trump posted on Truth Social. Former NFL coach Jon Gruden introduced Trump, who took the stage for approximately 80 minutes—and was joined by Ohio Republican Senator Jon Husted, gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy and YouTuber and professional boxer Jake Paul.
Ohio Senator Bernie Moreno spoke at the rally before Trump’s appearance. Embattled Ohio Republican Representative Max Miller was also in attendance, receiving a shoutout from Trump during his remarks. Trump's Monday appearance followed a rally in Vandalia on October 3.
With Election Day just 22 days away, Ohio is a key battleground in the fight for control of the Senate and House. Husted is facing Democratic challenger Sherrod Brown in a closely watched Senate race. Videos from Monday's rally showed supporters gathered inside the Covelli Centre, with guests frequently responding to Trump's remarks with cheers and chants.
The crowd repeatedly chanted "deport" during Trump's comments about immigration and Somali immigrants. Protesters who interrupted the president's speech also drew jeers from the audience. Several empty seats were visible in the venue.
Videos and images provided a snapshot of the crowd and atmosphere but an official attendance figure has not been released. The Covelli Centre can accommodate up to 7,000 people, according to its website. Trump repeatedly brought up Minnesota during his Ohio rally, directing criticism at Representative Ilhan Omar, a Minnesota Democrat, and the state's Somali community while discussing immigration and allegations of fraud.
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