Former President Donald Trump was in good humor and largely stayed on message during an hour-long town hall at the Lancaster County Convention Center on Sunday evening.
Answering pre-screened questions from select members of the few thousand-person crowd, Trump hit on many of his campaign’s top talking points.
The Republican presidential nominee promised to cut Americans’ energy and gas bills in half within the first year in office.
“Drill, baby, drill,” he said. “Frack, baby, frack.”
Beyond the promise to increase oil production, Trump did not elaborate on how he would reduce energy costs. According to the Energy Information Administration, the United States produced more crude oil in 2023 than any country in history.
Trump also steered his answer to several questions, including one on how he would work to reduce taxes for working-class families, back to his signature issue, immigration and border security. He blamed individuals who illegally cross the southern border for stealing Black and Latino Americans’ jobs.
“I think what’s happening at our border, where they’re allowing millions of people to come into our country every year totally unchecked and embedded, coming from prisons and mental institutions and, and coming in as terrorists. We have the highest level of terrorists – highest level of terrorists – we’ve ever had,” Trump said.
He did not cite any evidence to support that claim.
That lack of data didn’t matter to the crowd, which erupted into cheers after Trump said immigration would be the top issue on people’s minds when they enter the ballot box in two weeks.
Close
People wait in the line before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump’s visit at a campaign town hall at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster city on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.
Volunteers set up before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump’s visit at a campaign town hall at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster city on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.
Trump merchandise on sale as people wait in the line before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump’s visit at a campaign town hall at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster city on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.
People wait in the line before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump’s visit at a campaign town hall at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster city on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.
People wait in the line before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump’s visit at a campaign town hall at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster city on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.
People wait in the line before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump’s visit at a campaign town hall at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster city on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.
People wait in the line before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump’s visit at a campaign town hall at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster city on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.
People wait in the line before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump’s visit at a campaign town hall at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster city on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.
People wait in the line before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump’s visit at a campaign town hall at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster city on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.
People wait in the line before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump’s visit at a campaign town hall at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster city on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.
People wait in the line before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump’s visit at a campaign town hall at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster city on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.
People wait in the line before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump’s visit at a campaign town hall at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster city on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.
People wait in the line before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump’s visit at a campaign town hall at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster city on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.
People wait in the line before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump’s visit at a campaign town hall at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster city on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.
People wait in the line before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump’s visit at a campaign town hall at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster city on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.
Carlos Martinez, left, and Jim Stack, both of Quarryville wait in the line before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump’s visit at a campaign town hall at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster city on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.
Carlos Martinez’s t-shirt is shown as he waits in the line before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump’s visit at a campaign town hall at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster city on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.
Carlos Martinez’s hat and t-shirt are shown as he waits in the line before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump’s visit at a campaign town hall at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster city on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.
People wait in the line before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump’s visit at a campaign town hall at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster city on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.
People wait in the line before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump’s visit at a campaign town hall at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster city on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.
People wait in the line before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump’s visit at a campaign town hall at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster city on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.
People wait in the line before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump’s visit at a campaign town hall at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster city on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.
People wait in the line before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump’s visit at a campaign town hall at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster city on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.
People wait in the line before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump’s visit at a campaign town hall at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster city on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.
People wait in the line before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump’s visit at a campaign town hall at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster city on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.
State representative Lloyd Smucker greets attendees prior to Donald Trump’s visit at a campaign town hall at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster city on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.
People wait in the line before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump’s visit at a campaign town hall at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster city on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.
Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at a campaign town hall at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster city on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.
Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at a campaign town hall at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster city on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.
Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at a campaign town hall at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster city on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.
County Commissioner Ray Ray D’Agostino, left and State Rep. Dave Zimmerman stands for the National Anthem before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump arrives at a campaign town hall at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster city on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.
A supporter at town hall for Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster city on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.
State Rep. Bryan Cutler reacts to the National Anthem before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump arrives at a campaign town hall at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster city on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.
Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump arrives at a campaign town hall at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster city on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.
Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump arrives at a campaign town hall at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster city on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.
Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump arrives at a campaign town hall at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster city on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.
Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump arrives at a campaign town hall at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster city on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.
Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at a campaign town hall at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster city on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.
Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at a campaign town hall at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster city on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.
Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump meets moderator Sage Steele at a campaign town hall at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster city on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.
Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at a campaign town hall at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster city on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.
Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at a campaign town hall at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster city on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.
Supporter shoots videos as Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign town hall at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster city on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.
Supporter reacts when she sees Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at a campaign town hall at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster city on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.
Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at a campaign town hall at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster city on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.
Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at a campaign town hall at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster city on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.
Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at a campaign town hall at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster city on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.
Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at a campaign town hall at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster city on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.
Moderator Sage Steele speaks at the campaign town hall for Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster city on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.
Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump is asked a question by a panelist at a campaign town hall at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster city on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.
Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at a campaign town hall at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster city on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.
Panelists listen as Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign town hall at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster city on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.
Panelists listen as Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign town hall at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster city on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.
Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at a campaign town hall at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster city on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.
County Commissioner Josh Parsons listens as Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign town hall at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster city on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.
Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at a campaign town hall at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster city on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.
Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at a campaign town hall at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster city on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.
Supporters watch the video behind the media platform as Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign town hall at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster city on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.
Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at a campaign town hall at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster city on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.
Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at a campaign town hall at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster city on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.
Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at a campaign town hall at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster city on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.
Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at a campaign town hall at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster city on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.
Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at a campaign town hall at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster city on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.
Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at a campaign town hall at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster city on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.
Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at a campaign town hall at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster city on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.
Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at a campaign town hall at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster city on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.
Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump is asked a question from a panelist at a campaign town hall at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster city on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.
Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at a campaign town hall at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster city on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.
Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at a campaign town hall at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster city on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.
Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at a campaign town hall at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster city on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.
Supporter speaks to Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at a campaign town hall at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster city on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.
Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at a campaign town hall at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster city on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.
Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at a campaign town hall at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster city on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.
Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump is asked with a question from a panelist at a campaign town hall at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster city on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.
Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at a campaign town hall at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster city on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.
Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at a campaign town hall at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster city on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.
Blake Marnell who is known that wear a brick-patterned suit is recognized by Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at a campaign town hall at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster city on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.
Panelist asks a question to Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at a campaign town hall at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster city on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.
Congressman Dan Meuser speaks as Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump listens at a campaign town hall at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster city on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.
Congressman Lloyd Smucker shakes hands with Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at a campaign town hall at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster city on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.
Congressman Lloyd Smucker speaks at the campaign town hall for Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster city on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.
Congressman Lloyd Smucker speaks at the campaign town hall for Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster city on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.
Congressman Lloyd Smucker shakes hands with Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at a campaign town hall at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster city on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.
Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump answers one of the panelist’s question at a campaign town hall at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster city on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.
Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at a campaign town hall at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster city on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.
Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at a campaign town hall at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster city on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.
State Rep. Bryan Cutler listens as Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign town hall at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster city on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.
Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at a campaign town hall at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster city on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.
Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at a campaign town hall at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster city on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.
Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump leaves a campaign town hall at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster city on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.
Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump makes a quick dance before he leaves a campaign town hall at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster city on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.
Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump leaves a campaign town hall at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster city on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.
Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump leaves a campaign town hall at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster city on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.
People wait in the line before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump’s visit at a campaign town hall at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster city on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.
Volunteers set up before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump’s visit at a campaign town hall at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster city on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.
Trump merchandise on sale as people wait in the line before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump’s visit at a campaign town hall at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster city on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.
People wait in the line before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump’s visit at a campaign town hall at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster city on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.
People wait in the line before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump’s visit at a campaign town hall at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster city on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.
People wait in the line before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump’s visit at a campaign town hall at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster city on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.
People wait in the line before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump’s visit at a campaign town hall at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster city on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.
People wait in the line before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump’s visit at a campaign town hall at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster city on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.
People wait in the line before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump’s visit at a campaign town hall at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster city on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.
People wait in the line before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump’s visit at a campaign town hall at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster city on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.
People wait in the line before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump’s visit at a campaign town hall at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster city on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.
People wait in the line before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump’s visit at a campaign town hall at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster city on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.
People wait in the line before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump’s visit at a campaign town hall at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster city on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.
People wait in the line before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump’s visit at a campaign town hall at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster city on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.
People wait in the line before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump’s visit at a campaign town hall at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster city on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.
Carlos Martinez, left, and Jim Stack, both of Quarryville wait in the line before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump’s visit at a campaign town hall at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster city on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.
Carlos Martinez’s t-shirt is shown as he waits in the line before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump’s visit at a campaign town hall at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster city on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.
Carlos Martinez’s hat and t-shirt are shown as he waits in the line before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump’s visit at a campaign town hall at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster city on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.
People wait in the line before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump’s visit at a campaign town hall at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster city on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.
People wait in the line before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump’s visit at a campaign town hall at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster city on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.
People wait in the line before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump’s visit at a campaign town hall at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster city on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.
People wait in the line before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump’s visit at a campaign town hall at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster city on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.
People wait in the line before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump’s visit at a campaign town hall at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster city on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.
People wait in the line before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump’s visit at a campaign town hall at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster city on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.
People wait in the line before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump’s visit at a campaign town hall at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster city on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.
State representative Lloyd Smucker greets attendees prior to Donald Trump’s visit at a campaign town hall at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster city on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.
People wait in the line before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump’s visit at a campaign town hall at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster city on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.
Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at a campaign town hall at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster city on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.
Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at a campaign town hall at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster city on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.
Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at a campaign town hall at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster city on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.
County Commissioner Ray Ray D’Agostino, left and State Rep. Dave Zimmerman stands for the National Anthem before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump arrives at a campaign town hall at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster city on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.
A supporter at town hall for Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster city on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.
State Rep. Bryan Cutler reacts to the National Anthem before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump arrives at a campaign town hall at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster city on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.
Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump arrives at a campaign town hall at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster city on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.
Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump arrives at a campaign town hall at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster city on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.
Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump arrives at a campaign town hall at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster city on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.
Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump arrives at a campaign town hall at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster city on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.
Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at a campaign town hall at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster city on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.
Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at a campaign town hall at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster city on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.
Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump meets moderator Sage Steele at a campaign town hall at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster city on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.
Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at a campaign town hall at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster city on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.
Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at a campaign town hall at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster city on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.
Supporter shoots videos as Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign town hall at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster city on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.
Supporter reacts when she sees Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at a campaign town hall at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster city on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.
Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at a campaign town hall at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster city on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.
Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at a campaign town hall at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster city on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.
Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at a campaign town hall at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster city on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.
Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at a campaign town hall at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster city on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.
Moderator Sage Steele speaks at the campaign town hall for Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster city on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.
Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump is asked a question by a panelist at a campaign town hall at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster city on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.
Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at a campaign town hall at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster city on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.
Panelists listen as Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign town hall at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster city on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.
Panelists listen as Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign town hall at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster city on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.
Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at a campaign town hall at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster city on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.
County Commissioner Josh Parsons listens as Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign town hall at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster city on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.
Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at a campaign town hall at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster city on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.
Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at a campaign town hall at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster city on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.
Supporters watch the video behind the media platform as Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign town hall at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster city on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.
Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at a campaign town hall at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster city on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.
Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at a campaign town hall at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster city on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.
Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at a campaign town hall at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster city on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.
Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at a campaign town hall at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster city on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.
Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at a campaign town hall at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster city on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.
Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at a campaign town hall at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster city on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.
Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at a campaign town hall at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster city on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.
Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at a campaign town hall at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster city on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.
Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump is asked a question from a panelist at a campaign town hall at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster city on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.
Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at a campaign town hall at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster city on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.
Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at a campaign town hall at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster city on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.
Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at a campaign town hall at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster city on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.
Supporter speaks to Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at a campaign town hall at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster city on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.
Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at a campaign town hall at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster city on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.
Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at a campaign town hall at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster city on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.
Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump is asked with a question from a panelist at a campaign town hall at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster city on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.
Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at a campaign town hall at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster city on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.
Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at a campaign town hall at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster city on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.
Blake Marnell who is known that wear a brick-patterned suit is recognized by Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at a campaign town hall at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster city on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.
Panelist asks a question to Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at a campaign town hall at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster city on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.
Congressman Dan Meuser speaks as Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump listens at a campaign town hall at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster city on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.
Congressman Lloyd Smucker shakes hands with Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at a campaign town hall at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster city on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.
Congressman Lloyd Smucker speaks at the campaign town hall for Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster city on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.
Congressman Lloyd Smucker speaks at the campaign town hall for Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster city on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.
Congressman Lloyd Smucker shakes hands with Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at a campaign town hall at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster city on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.
Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump answers one of the panelist’s question at a campaign town hall at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster city on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.
Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at a campaign town hall at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster city on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.
Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at a campaign town hall at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster city on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.
State Rep. Bryan Cutler listens as Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign town hall at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster city on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.
Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at a campaign town hall at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster city on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.
Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at a campaign town hall at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster city on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.
Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump leaves a campaign town hall at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster city on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.
Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump makes a quick dance before he leaves a campaign town hall at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster city on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.
Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump leaves a campaign town hall at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster city on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.
Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump leaves a campaign town hall at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster city on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.
Energized audience members, many in red “Make America Great Again” apparel, frequently applauded Trump’s answers on policy or laughed along when he made a joke. When he first approached the stage, the room was filled with chants of “U.S.A., U.S.A., U.S.A.”
But Trump sparked jeering from the crowd at one point — when he wished his opponent, Vice President Kamala Harris, a happy 60th birthday, which happened to fall on Sunday.
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Mental acuity
Toward the end of the event, Trump pivoted on several questions to tout his endorsement from Tesla founder Elon Musk, who this weekend has hosted several events in Pennsylvania to promote Trump’s campaign.
Asked by Lancaster County Sheriff Chris Leppler about what he’d do to support local law enforcement agencies, Trump first said the federal government must “indemnify” officers. He then spoke about how Harris has criticized his cognitive abilities in recent days.
“She may have a cognitive problem,” he said.
Frequently, the event moderator, former ESPN host Sage Steele, repeated the audience questions to Trump when he went off-topic.
Trump, who would become the oldest person in U.S. history to be elected president if he defeats Harris, has promised to release his medical records before Election Day. He has not done so, releasing instead a July letter from former White House physician and current U.S. Rep. Ronny Jackson that said Trump was “doing well” after the attempted assassination attempt against him that month.
Highlights from Donald Trump’s town hall event at the Lancaster County Convention Center…
Trump’s tangents in Lancaster did not compare to some from his most recent rallies and public appearances, like the 30 minutes of dancing at a Philadelphia town hall last week or his remarks Saturday night in Westmoreland County where at one point he spoke about golf legend Arnold Palmer’s genitalia.
GOP ‘warriors’
While answering a question about how he’d reduce gas prices, Trump brought to the stage U.S. Reps. Lloyd Smucker and Dan Meuser, calling the pair “warriors” and thanked them for their work in Congress.
Smucker, who represents Lancaster County and half of York County, then told Trump and the crowd that “enthusiasm” for the Republican Party’s candidates this year is higher than in 2020 and in 2016, when Trump won his term in the White House. Trump lost to President Joe Biden four years ago.
Steele then called Trump’s attention back to fracking, after the congressmen exited the stage.
Congressman Lloyd Smucker speaks at the campaign town hall for Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster city on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024.
ANDY BLACKBURN | Staff photographer
In the VIP section, with Smucker and Meuser, also sat many of Lancaster County’s top Republican elected officials, including Clerk of Courts Nicky Woods, Commissioners Ray D’Agostino and Josh Parsons, and state Reps. Bryan Cutler, Mindy Fee, Tom Jones and Steve Mentzer.
Though he didn’t ask Trump a question, New Holland Borough council member Bryant Glick sat in seats behind the stage. Glick served as an alternate delegate to the Republican National Convention earlier this year.
Covering Pennsylvania
Before Trump walked to the stage to Lee Greenwood’s “God Bless the USA,” Steele pointed out that Trump’s visit came just 16 days before Election Day.
Lancaster County, with its roughly 180,000 registered Republican voters, will undoubtedly swing for Trump this year.
But Pennsylvania is a toss-up. Most polls show Trump and Harris virtually tied as they seek the state’s 19 electoral college votes.
Sunday afternoon, before visiting Lancaster, Trump worked the fry line at a McDonald’s in Bucks County. Immediately after the town hall, Trump flew to Pittsburgh to attend the 8:20 p.m. Steelers game.
Harris on Monday will participate in a moderated conversation with former U.S. Rep. Liz Cheney in Chester County.
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