Trump warns of ‘bloodbath’ if defeated in Ohio rally

Former President Donald Trump, during a rally in Ohio on Saturday, emphasized his role in safeguarding Social Security and issued a dire warning of potential chaos should he lose the upcoming election, while endorsing Senate candidate Bernie Moreno. Trump, addressing supporters at a windy airfield near Dayton, portrayed Moreno as a stalwart defender of American interests, heralding him as an advocate for Ohio communities and touting his outsider status in politics.

Trump’s endorsement comes on the heels of securing enough delegates to secure the 2024 Republican nomination. Moreno, contending with Secretary of State Frank LaRose and state Sen. Matt Dolan in the GOP primary, aligns himself with the pro-Trump faction of the party. Conversely, Dolan enjoys support from more establishment Republicans, including Gov. Mike DeWine and former Sen. Rob Portman.

During the rally, Trump delivered a characteristically impassioned speech, decrying potential consequences of a Biden reelection, particularly focusing on the ramifications for the nation’s automotive industry and his proposed tariff policies. He asserted that failure to secure victory could jeopardize the democratic process itself, underscoring the stakes of the upcoming election.

Despite previous criticisms of Trump, Moreno praised the former president as a “great American” and condemned Republicans who disapprove of Trump’s personality while supporting his policies. Trump, in turn, defended Moreno against recent allegations, likening them to attacks he has faced and dismissing them as politically motivated.

Trump also seized the opportunity to assail Biden’s record on Social Security, accusing him of endangering the program’s future. These remarks followed Trump’s earlier comments on entitlement programs, which he suggested could undergo reform to address mismanagement.

In addition to his critiques of Biden, Trump lambasted Dolan as a “weak RINO” and rebuked the Dolan family for renaming Cleveland’s baseball team. The rally also featured appearances by Ohio Sen. JD Vance and South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem, both of whom are considered potential vice-presidential candidates.

Trump’s endorsement of Moreno deals a significant blow to LaRose, who had sought to cultivate Trump’s support early in the campaign. The outcome of Tuesday’s primary will determine the Republican nominee who will face incumbent Sen. Sherrod Brown in November, in what is anticipated to be a closely watched contest with implications for the balance of power in the Senate.