Thousands of Trump Supporters Flood Madison Square Garden After Enduring Chilly Temps for NYC Rally: ‘It’s Worth the Wait’

Thousands of Donald Trump supporters braved cold conditions and long lines to gather at Madison Square Garden on Sunday, hoping to see the former president speak.

Despite the chilly 40-degree weather, the rally attracted nearly 9,000 attendees by noon, with an estimated 19,000 still waiting in lines across barricaded streets.

People wait outside MSG for Trump’s arrival early in the Morning on Oct. 27, 2024. Aristide Economopoulos

Some dedicated fans, like Patty Vitale from New Jersey, arrived as early as Saturday afternoon, enduring the weather to secure a spot. “We love Trump… it’s worth the wait,” said Vitala, who, along with friends, chose to camp on the street overnight despite having a hotel room.

People wait across the street from Madison Square Garden to enter in the early morning. Aristide Economopoulos

Many attendees struggled due to a lack of porta-potties along the blocked-off streets. Some resorted to makeshift solutions, while others, like Kimberly Vayda, avoided drinking fluids entirely to avoid losing their place in line. “It is kind of insane that there’s no provision for people who will be waiting this long,” Vayda remarked.

William Viskup showing off his Trump socks while waiting in line with his sister Kristina Viskup. G.N.Miller/NYPost

Supporters try to stay warm in the early morning after camping all night in the 47-degree weather. Aristide Economopoulos

Jennifer Sasser, who travelled from Wisconsin, expressed frustration after being denied restroom access due to crowd-control measures. “It’s like a third-world country! We’re peeing in bags and little cups,” Sasser said. Attendees noted that other cities have been better equipped for Trump rallies.

A crowd of Trump supporters waited outside Madison Square Garden for his rally on Oct. 27, 2024. Kevin C Downs for The New York Post

Trump supporters like Kristina Viskup, who travelled from Queens, shared stories of harassment by residents. “Crazy homeless people…attacking anybody with a Trump hat,” she recalled. However, upon reaching the venue, Viskup found solidarity with fellow supporters, describing a friendly atmosphere within the crowd.

A police officer stationed at a barricade on the line to get into MSG. Aristide Economopoulos

Doors opened at noon, with official programming slated for 5 p.m. Trump was expected to be joined by prominent figures, including Elon Musk, GOP hopeful Vivek Ramaswamy, and JD Vance. Supporters like Matt Joseph travelled from as far as Ontario, Canada, to highlight the election’s significance. “That’s what will happen here if [Vice President Kamala] Harris gets elected,” he stated.

More than 10,000 people lined up early to get into the arena. Kevin C Downs for The New York Post

Barbara, 54, from New Jersey, was the first to arrive at 10 a.m. Saturday. “I just thought this was going to be a magical event,” she shared. Meanwhile, at his first rally, Scott Williams from Staten Island emphasised the experience over comfort, saying, “A little bit of cold ain’t no problem.”

Signs advertising the Trump rally outside of MSG. Aristide Economopoulos

Trump supporters are inside MSG and making their way to their seats. Aristide Economopoulos

A group of Trump supporters posing together as they wait for the rally. Kevin C Downs for The New York Post

A woman waiting in line in a “Trump 2024” cowboy hat. Kevin C Downs for The New York Post

A man showing off his “Italians for Trump” shirt while waiting in line. Kevin C Downs for The New York Post

A police officer with a dog patrolling the line for the Trump rally. Aristide Economopoulos

A trio of Trump supporters in matching suits are waiting in line. Kevin C Downs for The New York Post

A woman is showing off her Trump hat. Kevin C Downs for The New York Post

People are cheering on fellow Trump supporters online. Kevin C Downs for The New York Post

Though New York is not expected to sway Republicans in November, GOP strategists viewed the event as a means to boost Republican turnout and energise voters ahead of Election Day. Meanwhile, Vice President Kamala Harris campaigned in Houston, Texas, a state expected to vote Republican, to shore up support for her campaign.