On Saturday (June 8), former President Trump visited Newport Beach in Orange County to raise funds for his campaign for the 47th presidency. More than a thousand residents gathered with flags and signs along the route to show their support for Trump’s campaign and to wish him an early happy birthday.
Starting from early in the morning at around 6 o’clock, Orange County residents began waiting along the roadside, with the crowd mainly concentrated at the intersection of Jamboree Road and the Pacific Coast Highway. Even in the drizzle of the morning, the attendees were still excitedly waving flags, chanting “USA,” and expressing their love for Trump.
Trump was in town to attend a luncheon hosted by entrepreneur and billionaire Palmer Luckey, and health insurance distributor John Word. His motorcade passed by around 12:40.
Local resident Steve from Dana Point stood in a prime spot. “I saw Trump sitting in the car, saw his face, and he waved at us,” he exclaimed. “I love America and hope future generations can grow up in a country that is free – not a third world country, not a totalitarian state, not a government of globalization.”
Why were so many people waiting for Trump here? Resident Jennifer Mcinter believes, “Trump believes in the American Dream, and we do too. Trump believes in the Constitution, and we do too. Trump believes in God, and we do too.”
She said, “Sometimes what Trump says may sound harsh or unpleasant to some, but I respect him. Over the years, he has remained true to himself, unaffected by anyone, and no one can change him. That’s why people love him.”
Raul Márquez, a Hispanic resident who grew up in Mexico and used to be a Democrat, stated, “I’m not blind. I started paying attention to him after Trump was elected president and then became a supporter. I love hardworking people, love the law, love the police, love babies, and love beautiful things.”
As Trump’s motorcade passed by, people were very excited, and afterward, most residents dispersed calmly. A few individuals still held onto flags, “Trump 2024” banners, and waited at the spot for Trump to pass by again after the luncheon.
Invitations showed that ticket prices for the luncheon ranged from $3,300 to $100,000. Several Chinese residents told reporters they couldn’t buy tickets as too many people wanted to attend.
According to CBS, Tony Strickland, a council member of Huntington Beach, who was in charge of Trump’s campaign activities in Orange County, stated that all event tickets were sold out, and they had to regretfully turn away more guests.
Republican National Committee member Harmeet Dhillon revealed that Trump raised $12 million at a fundraising event in San Francisco before conducting another fundraiser in Beverly Hills on Friday (7th).
Around 6 PM that evening, Trump’s motorcade arrived near Sunset Boulevard in Beverly Hills at the luxury home of Lee Samson, owner of a chain of nursing homes. Many supporters gathered outside, waving flags. As the motorcade passed by, cheers erupted from the crowd. Ticket prices for the fundraiser ranged from $5,000 to $250,000. As per tradition, the fundraising dinner was not open to the media.
California attracts a lot of billionaires, and many candidates come here for fundraising. President Biden raised millions of dollars in Silicon Valley, California in May, and is expected to fundraise in Los Angeles later this month. ◇