Trump wraps meandering York City speech: Live blog
This is a live blog for Donald Trump's visit to York City today.
The York Dispatch will be covering the Republican nominee for president during his stop at Precision Custom Components, a specialized manufacturing plant in York City.
Trump, the former president, is scheduled to deliver remarks about the economy at 3 this afternoon inside the facility at 500 Lincoln St.
Trump wraps it up in just under an hour
Trump has completed his remarks from Precision's factory, finishing a few minutes short of an hour. He commended the reception he received outside, remarking that the love "for what we're trying to do" was apparent.
"Vote on Nov. 5, or sooner," Trump said. "Nov. 5 will be the most important day in the history of our country."
Here's where voters can find out everything they need to know about casting ballots in Pennsylvania.
'Eye for an eye'?
Trump said he thinks the United States and China will get along very well together.
Trump said he has a great relationship with China President Xi Jinping.
He went on to say that the European Union treats our country very badly.
"If you hurt us, we hurt you," Trump said. "It's an eye for an eye."
'Drill, baby, drill'
Trump said he will tell the energy workers of Pennsylvania to "drill, baby, drill." This was met with applause. Trump used this to pivot to his opponent, Kamala Harris, and past stances she has taken on fracking, most recently during her attempt to win the Democratic presidential nomination for 2020.
"You can’t be a manufacturing powerhouse if you don’t have low-cost energy and we will have low-cost energy," Trump said.
Trump zeros in on inflation
Trump said he handed Kamala Harris an economy with no inflation. Gasoline was basically at levels of $1.87/gallon, even less than that, he said.
Inflation is eating everybody alive and it's been doing that for three years, Trump said. If Kamala gets in, Trump said, we will rapidly become a de-industrialized, third-world nation.
Trump again misrepresents California shoplifting law
Trump touched on one of his latest routine lies about being allowed to steal less than $950 in merchandise in California. This refers to a California law that declassified thefts of less than $950 in merchandise as a misdemeanor rather than a felony. The crime was reduced, not done away with, but Trump would have people believe criminals are using calculators in stores to steal merchandise totaling less than $950.
Trump takes the podium
Lee Greenwood's "God Bless the USA" just wrapped, Trump's signature entrance song. Trump is naming dignitaries, Rep. Perry, York County Commissioner Julie Wheeler. He even remarked about York County's 275th birthday this year.
"When I am back in the White House," Trump said, "America's future will be built right here in Pennsylvania."
Trump listed some promises, saying he will unleash explosive economic growth, put more money into your pockets, massively cut taxes, slash regulations, crack down on trade cheaters ... "And bring back those beautiful words, 'made in the USA,'" Trump said to applause.
Who's who at Trump's York City speech
As we wait for the next person to get the crowd warmed up, there are some local dignitaries spotted so far here at Precision.
In addition to Congressman Scott Perry, state Reps. Mike Jones and Seth Grove are here, as well as York County row officers Rich Keuerleber, sheriff; Laura Shue, recorder of deeds; and Barbara Bair, treasurer.
York County Economic Alliance President Kevin Schreiber also is in attendance. Precision, in Perry’s congressional district, is also located within Pennsylvania’s 95th state House district that was held by Schreiber from 2013-16. As head of the alliance, Schreiber attends economic events all over York County and the state and serves as an ambassador for all businesses in York County. He said he is here today to support Precision Custom Components.
Program begins, speakers make case for Trump
Our program is, at least unofficially, underway. Company speakers listed some of Precision's credentials and described the business' origins. It was founded in 1876 and started in the hydro power industry. It built equipment to serve stations including the Hoover Dam. It was also one of two facilities selected by the U.S. Navy for participation in a nuclear submarine program. A company speaker said they support former president Trump's demands to bring manufacturing jobs back to America. He is the best president to take on trade since Ronald Reagan, another speaker told the crowd.
Inside the venue
A lot of lingering and hanging around inside Precision Custom Components. Inside the brick factory, a company sign says Precision is a supplier to the U.S. Navy. The place is also decorated, presumably for today, with a "Jobs! Jobs! Jobs!" sign and the campaign's signature "Make America Great Again!" banner.
Heavy law enforcement presence for Trump's York speech
Much like it was at the Farm Show Complex for Trump's rally in Harrisburg last month, security here is evident. York City Police, York City Fire, York County Sheriff's Office and Pennsylvania State Police are here assisting U.S. Secret Service officers. You cannot make much of a passing glance without seeing a law enforcement presence.
Accessing the Farm Show was a little easier than the factory here in York, but this venue, of course, is not built for a concert-type event.
All-in-all, a smooth and pleasant arrival. There are at least 50 members of the press here.
Congressman Scott Perry greets people ahead of Trump speech
Media are inside the facility with credentials, but we are now awaiting the security clearance.
Republican Congressman Scott Perry, R-Carroll Township, is outside speaking with reporters on line.
When asked about his campaign for a seventh term, where he faces former WGAL anchor Janelle Stelson, Perry said he tries to earn his constituents’ votes every day by doing things on their behalf.
Counter-protest planned several blocks away from Trump's event
A counter-protest dubbed "York Rejects Trump" in response to Trump's visit has been set for 1:30 p.m. Monday at Farquhar Park.
"York will not go back," the organizers said, in a Facebook post featured on the The Valley: People Power and Caring Communities group and shared elsewhere across social media.
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Farquhar Park is several blocks — roughly a 5-minute walk — away from Precision Custom Components. The "York Rejects Trump" event is scheduled to begin before Trump's remarks at 3 p.m.
York City: Expect heavy traffic along Route 30 and I-83
Local officials warned motorists that Trump’s visit to York to cause traffic backups on some busy roads and highways during the afternoon heading into rush hour.
In addition to the streets near Precision Custom Components, at 500 Lincoln Street on the city's west side, the campaign stop is expected to have ripple effects across the area.
The York City mayor’s office put out an advisory cautioning motorists that Route 30 and I-83 will close sometime between 2 and 3 p.m. for Trump’s campaign arrival. The highways are expected to close again between 4 and 5 p.m.
The city will also close Hartley Street from Linden Avenue down to Gas Avenue, as well as Manchester Street between Company and Park streets for the event.
The closures are expected to create heavy congestion, the advisory states.
Pennsylvania, the ultimate battleground state
Today marks Trump's third visit to the Keystone State since surviving an attempt on his life at a July 13 rally in Butler.
He held a rally inside a packed Farm Show Complex in Harrisburg on July 31. Just this weekend, Trump held a rally in Wilkes-Barre.
Both Trump's and Vice President Kamala Harris' campaigns are spending a lot of time in Pennsylvania, as both naturally see it as crucial to their path to winning the White House.
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