In a high-energy rally in Gastonia, President Donald Trump voiced his support for Michael Whatley, the Republican candidate for the U.S. Senate. Amid his backing, Trump took the opportunity to criticize Roy Cooper, the Democratic opponent, focusing on crime and other key Republican talking points.
Trump’s narrative against Cooper, the former governor of North Carolina, covered familiar ground, such as the contentious topic of transgender athletes. Crime, however, was the central theme of his address, with Trump asserting that Democratic policies have compromised public safety.
“For years, pro-crime politicians like Roy Cooper have tried to bully you into silence while they turned your cities into blood-soaked killing fields,” Trump declared to the crowd.
In line with Trump’s remarks, Whatley criticized Cooper over a COVID-19-related agreement that led to the release of 3,500 prisoners to mitigate overcrowding. Whatley mistakenly implicated DeCarlos Brown Jr. in this release, who was later charged with murder.
Trump reiterated this claim, stating, “The animal who murdered Iryna Zarutska should never have been on your streets after 14 arrests… But Roy Cooper released him.”
However, records show that Brown’s release occurred five months before the settlement when he completed his mandatory minimum sentence.
In response, the Cooper campaign refuted the allegations, calling them false: “Independent fact-checkers have called these attacks false – Michael Whatley is getting desperate and it’s shameful that he’s using heinous crimes to try to deceive North Carolinians…”
Yet, the sentiments expressed by Trump resonated with attendees. Local resident Abraham Lawrence, 59, expressed support for Whatley’s crime stance, noting changes in North Carolina’s safety over the years.
Despite Trump’s efforts, Cooper has consistently maintained a lead in the polls. An Elon University poll last week showed Cooper ahead by 11 percentage points.
Trump also highlighted the tragic death of Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska on Charlotte’s light rail, using her story to underscore the safety concerns he attributes to Democratic policies.
The Cooper campaign, meanwhile, continues to focus on economic issues while challenging Whatley’s past appointments and endorsements.
Whatley praised Trump during his speech, emphasizing their alliance: “I am excited about fighting for North Carolina, for every family, for every community, and fighting alongside the greatest president of our lifetime, Donald J. Trump.”
Additionally, Trump referred to the Lumbee Fairness Act, which granted federal recognition to the Lumbee Tribe, as a milestone for his administration and a reason for voters to support his endorsed candidates.
