Donald Trump made a false claim on Friday, stating that he emerged victorious in the 2020 presidential election in Minnesota. He expressed confidence in winning the state once again this year, despite its historical inclination towards Democratic candidates for over half a century.
During a speech at the Minnesota Republican Party’s annual Lincoln-Reagan Dinner in St. Paul, Donald Trump reiterated his unsupported assertion that the previous presidential election, in which he was defeated by Democrat Joe Biden, was marred by extensive fraud.
“I am aware that we emerged victorious in Minnesota in 2020,” stated Trump, as the crowd erupted in applause. “However, we must exercise caution and closely monitor every vote.”
Trump campaign officials have been vocal about their belief that Trump can defeat Biden in Minnesota in their upcoming presidential rematch on November 5th. However, both public and private statements from these officials are in contrast with the available polling data and the state’s political history, suggesting that Trump will face significant challenges in winning Minnesota.
According to major independent polls, Joe Biden maintains a narrow yet steady advantage in Minnesota, often ranging from 2 to 4 percentage points. When asked about their plans for the state, a representative from the Trump campaign declined to provide a direct response regarding resource allocation.
In the past decade, Republicans have gained more support in rural areas of Minnesota, while Democrats have made significant gains in the suburban areas surrounding Minneapolis. This shift in political preferences aligns with the overall nationwide trend.
During his speech, Trump emphasized the importance of a “massive deportation” of immigrants who are in the country illegally. He also reaffirmed his commitment to building a new missile defense system, drawing a comparison to Israel’s successful “Iron Dome” program.
In addition, he once again suggested that North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum, who introduced Trump on Friday evening, is a strong candidate to be his vice-presidential running mate.
According to Trump, many people believe that the person standing right there, Burgum, is extremely talented.
In his latest address, Trump continued his trend of making personal and even profane remarks about Biden. At one juncture, he boldly stated that the president was “full of shit.”
During presidential campaigns, it is a common occurrence for major candidates to assert their ability to win over states that may seem difficult to capture. According to Biden officials, they believe they have a chance at securing Florida, despite currently trailing by approximately 10 points in most polls.