MINNEAPOLIS — President Donald Trump made a promise to supporters at his Thursday night rally in downtown Minneapolis: He will win Minnesota in 2020. In 2016, Trump lost the reliably blue state by less than 45,000 votes to Hillary Clinton, a margin of 1.5 percent.
This time around, he’s putting extra focus to make sure he can win the state.
Minnesota’s local Republican party drew energy and encouragement from Trump’s words Thursday.
The “Keep America Great” rally at Target Center was Trump’s fourth rally in Minnesota. This one, however, was held in the heart of the state’s most progressive city, sparking dozens of groups to protest the President’s visit.
Trump even sparred with the city’s top official. Two days ahead of his visit to the city, Trump publicly battled with Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey. The spat began over a dispute over who would pay for security for the Thursday rally.
Frey issued a proclamation recognizing Oct. 10, 2019, as “Love Trumps Hate Day” in the city.
Read more: Trump Spars With Minnesota Mayor In Tweet: ‘Dump Frey And Omar!’
Rivalry with U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar
Not surprisingly, Trump brought up Rep. Ilhan Omar during his rally, a progressive Democrat who has become one of the President’s chief rivals during her first term in the U.S. House.
Trump Thursday called Omar a “disgrace,” and added that she is one of the reasons he will carry Minnesota in 2020.
In August, Omar said death threats against her increased after Trump tweeted a video targeting her days earlier. “Since the President’s tweet Friday evening, I have experienced an increase in direct threats on my life — many directly referencing or replying to the President’s video,” Omar had said.
A video Trump shared included a comment Omar made in a speech at an event for a Muslim civil rights organization. The event took place after the Christchurch massacre in New Zealand.
Read more: Rep. Ilhan Omar: Death Threats Increased After Trump’s Tweet
Protests
The end of the rally late Thursday gave way to a tense atmosphere outside Target Center, where Trump supporters were met with protesters.
Matt Finn, a reporter with Fox News, captured video of demonstrators burning “MAGA” hats and other pro-Trump merchandise.
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