Trump humiliated by empty seats in key red state just 17 days before midterms
Trump humiliated by empty seats in key red state just 17 days before midterms
Cheyenne Ubiera Sun, October 18, 2026 at 2:42 AM UTC
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Empty seats marred Trump's Kentucky rally on Saturday -Credit:Getty (Getty)
President Donald Trump addressed a partially filled venue during his campaign rally in Kentucky on Saturday.
While supporters crowded the floor of the Truist Arena in Highland Heights, the president was unable to pack the arena's upper sections. Video footage from the event revealed numerous vacant seats.
In the Bluegrass State, Rep. Andy Barr is vying to succeed Sen. Mitch McConnell and faces off against Democratic Rep. Charles Booker. According to a Global Strategy Group poll published by Booker's campaign on Sept. 9, he was behind 49-40, with a margin of error of 4%. It comes as Susie Wiles' kill order to get Katie Zacharia fired with a nasty trap has been exposed.
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Barr was scheduled to address attendees, expressing that he is "fired up" to host Trump in the state. A Republican insider with knowledge of the arrangements characterized Trump's appearance as an attempt to help "fight for Kentucky common sense" in the run-up to the midterms, CNN reported, reports the Irish Star.
Trump had sought to influence the state's Senate primary contest in May by backing Barr shortly after dangling an ambassadorship before a competing candidate to encourage their withdrawal from the race. In a Truth Social message, Trump labeled Barr the "only Candidate who will easily defeat the Democrat."
During his speech, Trump unveiled his newest midterm proposal: a $100 million investment in a pharmaceutical facility in the state should Republicans maintain control of Congress.
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The empty seats were visible around the arena -Credit:AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein
"If the Republicans win, the Department of War, will be investing $100 million in the pharmaceutical company Antheia to revitalize a gigantic drug manufacturing facility in Winchester, Kentucky," he said. The president described the investment as a "big revitalization project" in a state where Trump secured victory by approximately 30 points in 2024.
The GOP holds an advantage in the state's 4th Congressional District, where Trump successfully ousted Rep. Thomas Massie during the primary, labeling him a "nutjob."
The primary victor, Ed Fallrein, a retired Navy SEAL, is now competing against Democratic businesswoman Melissa Strange.
-Credit:AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein
Fallrein is the favorite in the race, though younger voters and independents may choose not to participate.
"Every once in a while, you see a case where the electorate is angered so much that they sit on their hands," University of Kentucky political scientist Stephen Voss told the New York Post.
Political observers note that ongoing inflation, the Iran war, and gas prices have made contests competitive nationwide, even in traditionally Republican areas. Trump's appearance comes after visits to Alaska, Montana, and Georgia this week.
It comes as Trump's favorite aide Natalie Harp was caught in an unfortunate position soon after Katie Zacharia was fired.
Source: “AOL Breaking”
