Trump's Michigan Rally Delayed by Joe Rogan Interview, Leaving Supporters in the Cold

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In a chilly Traverse City, Michigan, rally on Friday night, former President Donald Trump left supporters waiting for over three hours due to a delay caused by his recording of a podcast interview with Joe Rogan, the influential host known for his reach among younger male voters. Many attendees left before Trump finally arrived, braving the cold as they awaited his appearance on the airport tarmac.

As temperatures dipped to about 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 degrees Celsius), those who remained were greeted with an apology from Trump, who cited the lengthy interview, which was released that evening and spanned three hours. During the discussion, he revisited familiar campaign themes while also engaging in lighter conversations, including speculative discussions on UFOs.

Just before the rally was scheduled to start at 7:30 p.m. Eastern, Trump's spokesman updated supporters via social media, stating Trump was still in Texas. In a video message from his plane, Trump urged fans to stick around, promising an enjoyable event. When he finally took the stage, he acknowledged the delay and expressed gratitude for their patience.

While some attendees like John and Cheryl Sowash remained supportive, expressing understanding over the circumstances, others appeared disengaged as they waited. The rally featured local political figures attempting to entertain the crowd before Trump’s arrival, but many expressed concern about the lack of attendance due to the delay.

Trump's interview with Rogan allowed him to further cultivate a hypermasculine campaign image, discussing topics ranging from his commitment to bringing Robert F. Kennedy Jr. into his administration to the implications of federal subsidies for semiconductor manufacturing. Throughout the conversation, he reiterated grievances about the 2020 election and hinted at potentially eliminating federal income taxes.

In a bid to connect with voters, Trump mocked Vice President Kamala Harris's concurrent rally in Texas with pop icon Beyoncé, framing it as a frivolous event compared to his serious campaign. As he escalated his rhetoric on immigration during the Michigan rally, he contrasted his approach with what he described as Harris’s belittling of American values.

The rally, marked by medical emergencies among attendees, showcased Trump's resilience in the face of delays while reinforcing his campaign's themes. However, the mix of a lengthy delay, cooler temperatures, and the absence of a full crowd left some questions about the momentum of his campaign in Michigan.