President Trump delivered a forceful message to Arizona voters Wednesday, warning that Democrats would “destroy our country” while criticizing their conduct during the State of the Union and urging Republicans to turn the state red from top to bottom.
With Election Day fewer than three weeks away, Trump rallied in Bullhead City for Rep. Andy Biggs, the Republican nominee for governor, and other GOP candidates. He attacked Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs and called for a Republican victory in tribute to Charlie Kirk.
“On election night, Arizona is going to prove that America does not belong to those who hate it,” Trump told the crowd. “America belongs to those who love, love, love, love — love it.”
Biggs appeared alongside Trump and revisited the president’s February State of the Union address, accusing Democrats of refusing to stand when Trump questioned their commitment to the American people.
“Vote Republican top to bottom,” Biggs said. “Let’s turn Arizona red.”
Trump echoed Biggs’ criticism and focused on lawmakers’ reactions to veterans honored during the address.
“Not one Democrat smiled or clapped,” Trump said. “And that’s when I looked at them, and I said, ‘You people are crazy.’”
“But that’s what we have,” he added. “They’ll destroy our country.”
Trump’s account blended two separate moments from the Feb. 24 speech. During the address, he presented the Medal of Honor to retired Navy Capt. E. Royce Williams, who was 100 years old at the time, as Trump noted Wednesday.
He also honored World War II veteran George “Buddy” Taggart.
The partisan dispute over who stood occurred when Trump asked lawmakers to affirm that the government’s foremost responsibility was protecting American citizens rather than illegal immigrants.
Republicans stood as many Democrats remained seated. Democratic Sen. John Fetterman of Pennsylvania later said he had risen to honor distinguished guests, including veterans.
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Trump repeatedly directed personal attacks at Hobbs, whom Biggs is challenging, describing the governor as a “low IQ individual.”
He also endorsed Biggs’ running mate, former state Sen. Sine Kerr, who is running to become Arizona’s first lieutenant governor.
Biggs chose Kerr for the newly established position in July.
Trump urged voters to support Republican secretary of state candidate Alex Kolodin, calling him “a warrior for election integrity” while criticizing Democratic incumbent Adrian Fontes.
“You look good. Central casting, actually,” Trump told Kolodin before joking that he appeared “a little bit nerdy.”
Trump also praised Republican Reps. Paul Gosar, Abe Hamadeh and Eli Crane, referring to Hamadeh and Crane as “warriors.”
He voiced support for congressional candidate Mark Lamb as well, calling him “a friend of mine” and urging Arizonans to send him to Washington to represent the state’s 5th Congressional District.
The rally also featured a tribute to Kirk, whom Trump remembered on what would have been the conservative activist’s 33rd birthday.
“A great person, a great man, a great friend of mine,” Trump said as the crowd chanted, “Charlie! Charlie!”
Trump offered support to Kirk’s widow, Erika, and their family before turning the remembrance into a call to vote.
“In Charlie’s honor, we want you to go out and vote,” Trump said. “He’d be out there fighting like nobody else. So, let’s have a big victory in honor of Charlie Kirk.”