Trump invokes economy, public safety and 'China virus' during Asian American rally in Las Vegas

At his first campaign rally targeting the Asian American and Pacific Islander community this election cycle, former President Donald Trump took the stage Thursday night in Las Vegas with a speech on the economy, public safety and immigration to a group of who he believes he can Make progress with.

Trump headlined the Unite for Change rally organized by the conservative PAC Turning Point USA, which also featured speeches from former Hawaii Rep. Tulsi Gabbard and former GOP presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy.

“Under the Trump administration, we will build an economy that lifts up all Americans, including African Americans, Hispanics and also members of our large Asian American and Pacific Islander community, many of whom are here today, especially many.” “Amazing Filipinos from Nevada “said Trump.

Asian Americans now make up 12% of Nevada's electorate, with Filipinos making up the largest subgroup. Election results in recent years suggest that AAPI support for Democrats may be waning. In 2020, President Joe Biden won 64% of the state's Asian American vote, while Trump received 35%.

But in 2022, support for the Nevada governor's candidacy was more divided between the local Asian American, Hawaiian and Pacific Islander community, which voted blue by only an 8% margin.

Speaking to a diverse AAPI group whose voice he seeks to court, he recirculated an old talking point, calling Covid the “China virus.”

“You know, President Xi of China…he’s a friend of mine. I thought we were actually very close. But honestly, Covid, or as I call it, “the China virus,” was a step too far,” he said.

It's the kind of language that studies have shown has led to a dramatic rise in anti-Asian hate and violence during the pandemic and in the years since.

“This particular rhetoric linking a racial group to a global pandemic has particularly damaging effects,” researcher Eli Michaels told NBC News in 2020.

Trump took a moment to praise the Filipino community and said he likes how they dress.

“They had the most beautiful clothes, such bright colors,” he said. “I said, 'Where the hell are all these people coming from?' … You are the greatest people, hardworking people, and we will take care of you.”

The Harris campaign has also been trying for months to connect with Nevada's Filipino Americans by releasing ads in various languages, hosting meals with community members and recruiting locals to the campaign.

“Just as we are seeing major changes among Hispanics and the Black community, this group is poised to powerfully reflect President Trump's message of economic empowerment, law and order, safe streets and a return to order and sanity in immigration policy,” said Charlie Kirk , founder and president of Turning Point, in a press release ahead of the Las Vegas event.

During his hour-long speech, the former president largely stuck to his campaign messages, promising to cut taxes, eliminate illegal immigrants and restore public safety if elected in November. He also attacked Vice President Kamala Harris, calling her “incompetent” and saying she would be worse for Americans on these issues.

Ramaswamy and Gabbard were showered with praise by Trump, who said his Indian-American former presidential rival had “a hell of a mouthpiece.”

“He has a great future in this party,” he said.

Vivek took the stage before Trump and spoke briefly about his family's immigration background.

“Like many of you in the audience, I say this as a child of legal immigrants to this country. “That means your first entry into this country cannot violate the law. And that’s why when we see the largest influx of illegal immigrants into this country in American history, we will also see the largest mass deportation in American history.”