Hundreds of people gathered in Pleasanton, Bay Area last Saturday, June 22nd, for a truck rally in support of Donald Trump’s presidential campaign.
At 11 a.m. that day, over two hundred cars, trucks, SUVs, jeeps, and vans assembled at Stoneridge shopping plaza in Pleasanton. The sound of car horns filled the air, with American flags and various Trump-supporting flags fluttering in the wind.
A pickup truck served as a makeshift stage, where Diana Maggie stood and led the crowd in singing the national anthem, eliciting a chorus of voices singing in unison.
Vin Kruttiventi, an Indian-American, representing the Republican candidate for California’s 14th Congressional District, addressed the crowd. He emphasized the need for Trump in America and asserted that no legal battles could stop them from reelecting him because they love freedom. He urged everyone to take action by calling or texting 10 people each and asking them to pass it on to another 10 people, stating, “We don’t need to spend a lot of money, just by taking action we can secure Trump’s victory.”
He further expressed his support for Trump’s governance policies, stating that Trump always puts America first. He insisted that choosing Trump as president would ensure the country does the right thing – “America first, always,” he proclaimed.
Jim Shoemaker, representing the Republican party for the 5th district state senate in California, highlighted his campaign platform, which includes protecting the rights of children and parents, returning education to the people, and addressing crime and homelessness issues. He stressed that Californians are fed up, including even some Democrats who cannot tolerate the state’s crime rate.
For those who question the need to vote, Shoemaker emphasized, “If you don’t vote, they will vote for you.” He called on people to stand up as it is time for everyone to participate to prevent cheating and vote stealing. He also encouraged attendees to sign a petition for the recall of Governor Newsom on the spot.
Sangeetha Shanbhogue, an Indian-American Republican running for California’s 20th district assembly member, aimed for economic affordability, safety, education, and parental rights in her campaign. She advocated for rescuing California from Newsom’s governance, emphasizing her fight for the future of children in the district. She remarked on the need to counter the rising crime rate in California and the importance of supporting Trump as the only viable candidate.
Mike Brennan, born in California, drove over 40 minutes from Martinez City to join the rally. He voiced his concerns about the significant changes in America over the years, stating that the country he grew up in no longer exists. He criticized the government for spending $800,000 to provide temporary housing for the homeless while hard-working citizens receive no support. He emphasized the lack of respect shown to the working class and families, with everything revolving around individuals in poverty and different gender and lifestyle orientations.
He warned, “If you lose control of your own body autonomy, then you are a slave.” Brennan highlighted the serious level of corruption in America, calling for action to prevent the tyranny, or else the country will be lost.
Manny Morales, a plumber from Castro Valley and vice chairman of the Values Advocacy Council, expressed his views at the rally. He emphasized that Trump does not belong to the establishment or the deep state; rather, he cares for American workers and people. Morales believes that the suppression on Trump is intentional, aiming to silence both Trump and the public. However, on November 5th, they will not succeed, and victory will be claimed to reclaim the nation.
After the rally, over two hundred flag-adorned vehicles departed in a line from the parking lot. Many vehicles on the road honked and waved in support as the Trump campaign convoy, snaking through Pleasanton’s main street, passed Dublin and Livermore, finally arriving at Robertson Park in Livermore.
The organizers announced that a larger rally is planned for this October before the elections, expecting 5,000 trucks and 20,000 attendees to participate.