Trump concludes MSG rally with anti-immigrant rhetoric

Trump was introduced to the stage by Melania in an unannounced appearance.

The race for the White House remained essentially a dead heat on Sunday -- with nine days to go until Election Day.

Former President Donald Trump delivered a speech Sunday afternoon at New York's Madison Square Garden. After making several stops in Philadelphia on Sunday, Vice President Kamala Harris held a rally there Sunday afternoon.

Oct 28, 6:03 am

Almost 42 million voters have cast a vote

Almost 42 million Americans have cast a vote through early voting methods, as of Sunday afternoon, according to data from the University of Florida's Election Lab.

The about 41.9 million recorded mail and early in-person votes were evenly split with about 21 million mail ballots returned nationally and about the same cast at in-person early voting polling sites across the country, the data showed.

Early voting options are now open to voters in 50 states and the District of Columbia. Many early voting periods will last until the weekend before Election Day.

Oct 27, 2024, 7:30 PM EDT

DNC projects messages about Trump onto Madison Square Garden during rally

During former President Trump's rally at Madison Square Garden in New York City on Sunday, the DNC projected artwork that reads "Trump = Unhinged," "Trump Praised Hitler," "Trump = Unfit," "Trump = Unstable" and "Trump = Cheat."

PHOTO: The DNC Projects Messages About Trump Onto Madison Square Garden During His Rally
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 27: The DNC projects a message reading "Trump = Cheat" onto Madison Square Garden during his campaign rally on October 27, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Eugene Gologursky/Getty Images for DNC)
Eugene Gologursky/Getty Images for DNC

Oct 27, 2024, 7:18 PM EDT

Trump takes the stage at Madison Square Garden

"I'm thrilled to be back in this city I love," former President Donald Trump said as he took the stage at New York City's Madison Square Garden.

Oct 27, 2024, 7:11 PM EDT

Melania Trump speaks at Trump's Madison Square Garden rally

Former President Donald Trump's wife, Melania, took the stage at Madison Square Garden in an unannounced appearance.

Former First Lady Melania Trump speaks during a rally held for former President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, at Madison Square Garden in New York City, Oct. 27, 2024.
Sarah Yenesel/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

"Please welcome our next Commander in chief. My husband, President Donald J. Trump," Melania introduced her husband to a heartfelt embrace from the sold-out crowd.

During her brief statement, the former first lady welcomed supporters to New York by painting the city as the beacon of opportunity; however, her speech turned when she claimed the city had lost its spark due to a declining economy and unsafe environment.

Her remarks foreshadowed her husband's speech as she pointed to immigration and the economy.

"Today, a declining quality of life coupled with economic instability makes it difficult for businesses to thrive," Melania said.

"Crime is on the rise while public safety diminishes, creating an environment where families with young children choose to relocate. And this story repeats itself from coast to coast across our nation. This is America."

Melania closed by asking the crowd to envision a country with a "shared vision that builds on American greatness."

"Envision a wonderful America where the seeds of security, prosperity, and health are so and once again, for the benefit of our families. Let us start together with a shared vision that builds on American greatness. Let's seize this moment and create a country for tomorrow, the future that we deserve."

Oct 27, 2024, 7:06 PM EDT

Elon Musk leads 'USA' chant at Trump's Madison Square Garden rally

Elon Musk took the stage at former President Donald Trump's campaign event at Madison Square Garden Sunday, leading the crowd in a "USA" chant and urging attendees to vote early.

Elon Musk, businessman, gestures to the audience during a rally held for former US President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, at Madison Square Garden in New York City, Oct. 27, 2024.
Sarah Yenesel/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock