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Donald Trump Praises Supporter Who Punched Protester at Clemson Rally in South Carolina
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Trump praised a rally attendee who punched a protester at Clemson rally in South Carolina. The incident occurred as multiple protesters were removed; Trump commented supportive remarks during the event.
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Trump Praises Punch in SC
U.S. President Donald Trump praised a man who punched a protester at a midterm election rally held in Clemson, South Carolina, as the protester was being removed from the event.
Trump said, "Wow. Man, I loved that. I watched that. That was incredible. Wow. That was unbelievable."
Trump asked, "Who’s the guy that threw that punch?" and he compared the assailant to former boxing world champion Evander Holyfield, who had accompanied Trump to the event.
Trump also told the man, "You know, you reminded me of Evander, the real deal, Holyfield," as security forces escorted protesters out of the hall.
The rally took place in Pendleton, South Carolina, at the Clemson University T. Ed Garrison Livestock Arena, and the event drew protests that interrupted Trump during his remarks.
Protesters Removed, Reports Filed
The Anderson County Sheriff’s Office said two incident reports were filed following President Donald Trump’s Upstate midterm rally on Wednesday night in Pendleton, South Carolina. FOX Carolina reported that Trump took the stage around 7:08 p.m. and that protesters shouted “traitor” and “release the Epstein files,” before another disturbance led to punches being thrown. The Post and Courier reported that Matthew McDaniel said he went to the hospital for neck injuries and called Trump his “best witness” in any law enforcement effort to identify and charge those involved.
McDaniel told The Post and Courier, "he's actually my best witness," and he said the president described in detail what happened. The Anderson County Sheriff’s Office said one arrest from the rally involved a woman charged with trespassing after notice, and the assault report stemming from the punching incident was filed with the offense listed as assault and battery third degree.
Midterms, Candidates, and Fallout
Trump campaigned in South Carolina for candidate Darline Graham, and the rally was held less than two weeks before the midterm elections on November 3, with Republicans aiming to defend their slim majority in Congress. El Nuevo Día said Trump’s remarks were a direct call to voters to back Senator Darline Graham, who was seeking to keep the seat she assumed after the July death of her brother Lindsey Graham in the November 3 elections. The Guardian said Trump was in South Carolina to support Darline Graham, the sister of late senator Lindsey Graham who died suddenly in July from a heart condition, and Graham faced Democratic challenger Annie Andrews.
RTVE.es said at least twelve people were removed for interrupting the president during his ninety-minute remarks, and it described the incidents as not escalating beyond a few pushes and isolated clashes. The Guardian reported that a Reuters/Ipsos poll published on Monday found that 31% of Americans approve of Trump’s performance in office, a record low for the president.