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.
Key Headlines
- Trump campaign distances from comic who disparaged Puerto Rico at MSG rally
- Giuliani defends Trump’s rhetoric: ‘He’s a New Yorker’
- Comic at Trump’s MSG rally calls Puerto Rico 'a floating island of garbage'
- Harris introduces 'Opportunity Task Force' for Puerto Rico
- Walz likens Trump MSG rally to Nazi one there in 1939
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.
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.
"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."
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.
Vance claims Harris does not represent change from Biden
Speaking at Madison Square Garden ahead of his running mate, vice presidential nominee Sen. JD Vance went to bat for former President Donald Trump while attacking the Democratic ticket.
"Now, on the eve of the most important election in our history, the greatest champion of them all, Donald J. Trump, has come to Madison Square Garden," Vance said.
"And I believe in just eight short days, we're going to turn the United States of America and make Donald J. Trump the president of the United States," Vance said.
Vance took aim at Vice President Kamala Harris for her previous comments, saying she wouldn't do anything different from President Joe Biden if elected president.
"She's running on how she's going to be different, but she couldn't name a single thing that she would do differently than Joe Biden. Now I will say that could be the Kamala Harris official campaign slogan, Kamala Harris, nothing comes to mind," Vance said, referencing Harris' recent appearance on "The View."
Earlier this month, Harris was asked whether there is anything she would have done differently than Biden over the past four years.
"There is not a thing that comes to mind in terms of -- and I’ve been a part of most of the decisions that have had impact,” Harris said.
-ABC News' Hannah Demissie
Trump rally comic who disparaged Puerto Rico faces backlash
After comedian Tony Hinchcliffe disparaged Puerto Rico as "a floating island of garbage" at former President Donald Trump's Madison Square Garden rally on Sunday, Hinchcliffe is facing backlash from both sides of the political aisle.
Jenniffer González-Colón, a Republican who attended the Republican National Convention this year and is running to be the island's governor, called the comic's comments "despicable, inappropriate and disgusting."
Speaking with Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz in a Twitch stream Sunday, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez called the remark "super upsetting."
"When you have some a-hole calling Puerto Rico 'floating garbage,' know that that's what they think about you. It's what they think about anyone who makes less money than them," Ocasio-Cortez said.
Earlier Sunday, rapper Bad Bunny shared Vice President Kamala Harris' video where she spoke about the island's future.
-ABC News' Joshua Hoyos