Former President Donald Trump announced this week that he would set up an extensive campaign schedule in traditionally Democratic Party-voting states. The move could increase pressure on President Joe Biden in this year’s general election and represents a unique political move.
The former president revealed that he would campaign in states that have voted for Democrats over the last several electoral cycles. Trump plans to campaign extensively in New York, New Jersey, Virginia, Minnesota and New Mexico.
Trump told Breitbart News that he believes that Republicans could make major gains in those states. He said that he “may be foolish in doing it,” but that he would make a “heavy play” for each one of the states.
The former president said that he planned a number of rallies and speeches and that he would “work” the states.
“That doesn’t mean I’m going to work them as hard as I work Pennsylvania, where I’m doing very well,” he added.
Trump added that there was “just no way” that Biden would win Pennsylvania.
Trump tells Breitbart he plans ‘aggressive’ expansion of 2024 electoral map, will make ‘heavy play’ for New York, New Jersey, Virginia, New Mexico, Minnesota
— NewsWire (@NewsWire_US) January 2, 2024
The former president said that he “may rent Madison Square Garden and that’s the belly of the beast, right?”
Trump touted support from a number of prominent Republicans in New York, including former Rep. Lee Zeldin (R-NY), who was also the party’s 2022 gubernatorial candidate. The former president cited the difficult conditions in New York, including the more than 160,000 migrants who entered the state since 2022.
“So, I believe we have a chance to win New York,” he said. “I believe we have a chance to win New Jersey.”
Trump’s announcement came after the former president faced new legal challenges. Two decisions removed Trump from Colorado and Maine’s primary election ballot. The removal sets up a significant confrontation in the U.S. Supreme Court.
In addition, there is less than two weeks until the first nominating contest for president. Trump is facing a significant challenge in Iowa from Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) and in New Hampshire from former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley (R).
Despite the opposition, Trump still leads in every major national poll and every poll in the early states.
