Trump takes the stage in Oklahoma after storm forced him to drive in from Texas

Donald Trump appeared on stage at the Choctaw Event Center in Durant, Oklahoma, at around 7:50 p.m. local time, opening his tour of three rallies in strongly Republican states just over a month before the November 3 midterm elections, as The Oklahoman reports.

Trump had been due to speak at 6 p.m., but was delayed by bad weather: heavy rain prevented his plane and helicopter from landing in Durant. Earlier, he had been in Denton, Texas, in the afternoon, where he visited the Peterbilt truck factory and spoke about manufacturing and the economic agenda.

His advisers suggested he cancel the Oklahoma stop — a suggestion the crowd greeted with boos — but he refused. “This was not an easy trip,” he told those present, recounting that he had to come by car from Texas. According to the reporting, he had told his staff: “Get your asses in that car; we are going to Oklahoma,” words that drew loud cheers from the crowd.

It is Trump’s first appearance in Oklahoma since 2020. The rally aims to mobilize Republicans to keep control of Congress during the last two years of his term, while the Republican National Committee calls this the start of a national campaign push for the final 30 days before the elections.

Before Trump, Oklahoma Republican politicians took the stage: gubernatorial candidate Mike Mazzei, who said Trump inspired him to run and attacked Democratic opponent Cyndi Munson as too liberal; Senate candidate Kevin Hern, who said “America First” will be on the ballot; Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin; Senator James Lankford; Congressman Josh Brecheen; lieutenant governor candidate T.W. Shannon; treasurer candidate Cindy Byrd; and Republican megadonor Harold Hamm.

The nearly 5,000-capacity hall was packed, with supporters waiting for hours in the rain. Outside, dozens of counter-protesters demonstrated — among them organizer Elisa Standridge, a member of the Choctaw Nation, who said: “We’re red with rage, not with Republicans” — with placards for indigenous rights, against ICE and against the war.

The context of the rally is the Democrats’ effort to gain momentum by exploiting Trump’s falling approval and blaming his agenda for high fuel and food prices.