On Saturday, the small town of Pickens, South Carolina witnessed the entrance of former President Donald Trump into the political arena. Despite the town’s modest population of 3,400 residents, Pickens became host to an astonishing gathering of over 50,000 Trump supporters. Police Chief Randal Beach provided this estimate, acknowledging the difficulty in determining an exact count.
This event, the second of its kind for Trump’s 2024 campaign, followed a previous rally in Waco, Texas back in March. The remarkable turnout in Pickens demonstrated Trump’s enduring support base, surpassing that of any other Republican contenders who have held events in this crucial primary state. Despite the scorching summer weather, which Trump described as “hot as hell,” tens of thousands of Trump supporters flocked to the downtown venue and lined the surrounding streets, a clear testament to the unwavering dedication and enthusiasm of his followers.
While other Republican candidates, including Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, former Vice President Mike Pence, and notable South Carolinians such as former Governor Nikki Haley and Senator Tim Scott, have organized events in the state, none have matched the scale of Trump’s rally.
This massive gathering marked a resurgence of the former President’s iconic large-scale rallies, effectively shutting down Pickens’ quintessential Southern downtown. Numerous attendees echoed Trump’s sentiments, expressing steadfast support and pledging unwavering allegiance to his presidential ambitions. The spectacle underscored Trump’s dominant position within the Republican party, his influence remaining unaffected by the legal challenges he currently faces. Trump’s unyielding base of supporters appears ready to stand firmly by his side as he embarks on his third presidential campaign.