Rumors had been circulating for weeks, but few anticipated the level of chaos that unfolded in Mount Pocono, Pennsylvania.
Attendees sensed something unusual was brewing—and when Donald Trump took the stage, it quickly became clear that this would not be a conventional political rally.
Trump, never one to hold back, directed his attention squarely at President Joe Biden. Known for nicknames like “Sleepy Joe” and “Crooked Joe,” Trump introduced a new, profanity-laden moniker during his Pennsylvania address to what he claimed was a crowd of 20,000.
Although the rally was ostensibly focused on rising costs and economic concerns, Trump repeatedly veered into familiar territory: immigration, personal attacks, and conspiracy-laden commentary. He launched a crude critique of Biden’s popularity, claiming,
“Historically, when I’ve run polls—my own polls—I ask arenas, 20,000 people, ‘Which do you like? Sleepy Joe, Crooked Joe?’ I saved millions of dollars. Typically, Crooked Joe wins. But I’m surprised…he’s a sleepy son of a b—-.”
Trump also targeted Democratic Rep. Ilhan Omar, referencing her Somali background and faith while repeating unfounded claims about her personal life. Later, he mocked a chart at the event, contrasting it with one he credited with helping him survive a narrow assassination attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania.
In addition to attacks on opponents, Trump praised his Chief of Staff, Susie Wiles—jokingly nicknamed “Susie Trump”—for encouraging him to return to rally-style appearances. “They don’t use the term chief of staff anymore because some Native Americans were upset. But now they want it used, which is true. She’s fantastic,” he said.
Economic issues also featured prominently. Trump repeatedly blamed Biden for “historically high inflation,” dismissing pre-existing data that showed price increases had slowed before rising again following his April “Liberation Day” tariffs. At the White House just the day before, he insisted,
“We’re bringing prices way down…Democrats caused the problem, and we’re fixing it.”
Trump largely ignored prepared remarks, stating midway through the rally, “I haven’t read practically anything off the stupid teleprompter…my speechwriters are getting awards for some of the finest speeches, and I haven’t even read them,” eliciting laughter from the crowd.
The rally took place in the district of Republican Rep. Rob Bresnahan, who had narrowly won in 2024 and faces a challenge from Democrat Scranton Mayor Paige Cognetti. Ahead of Trump’s speech, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee launched digital ads criticizing Bresnahan’s stock trades and highlighting perceived inaction on corruption.
Conclusion
Trump’s Mount Pocono rally was a showcase of his unfiltered, unpredictable style: a blend of economic talking points, personal attacks, conspiracy theories, and self-aggrandizement. While the event touched on affordability and inflation, it quickly shifted to controversial remarks and provocations.
For many observers, it reinforced the incendiary, chaotic approach that continues to define Trump’s political persona, leaving questions about what, if any, substantive policy messages were communicated.