ERIE – President Trump told a standing room only crowd Wednesday evening at the Erie Insurance Arena that part of his plan to restore America includes helping refurbish Presque Isle, surprising many in the crowd.
“We’re going to dredge the channel and we’re going to replenish the sand at Presque Isle,” Trump said. “I had a picture sent to me. There’s no sand.”
He told those attending and watching on television that America is strong and prosperous again. He touted the confirmation of Justice Brett Kavanaugh, the rebirth of the steel industry and blasted the Democrats.
As for steel’s rebirth, Trump said, “After four months of me doing what I do, its thriving.”
He asked for prayers for people facing hurricanes and said the government is ready to help any way it can.
“After four years of rebuilding other countries, we’re finally rebuilding America,” Trump told the crowd, which responded with cheers.
Trump took more than a few shots at the Democrats, calling their treatment of Justice Brett Kavanaugh terrible.
“The Democrats are the party of crime. That’s what happened. They are the party of crimes,” Trump said.
“There was collusion between Hillary, the Democrats and the Russians. There was plenty of collusion,” he continued.
He recalled that election night, the main stream media hesitated to call Pennsylvania in his favor even with 99 percent of the votes tallied.
“They did it with tears flowing down their faces and we were crying too, tears of happiness.”
Trump closed the rally by renewing his vow to make America wealthier and stronger.
“We are one people, one family, and one nation under God,” Trump said as the crowd cheer, chanted and erupted in applause.
As early as 9:30 a.m., people were gathered at the front doors of the arena. The doors did not open until approximately 4 p.m.
As the arena filled, the anticipation filled the arena. Several people told WNYNewsNow they were excited to see the President and supported his efforts thus far in his first term of office.
The seats were a red wave of Make America Great Again hats, Trump shirts and banners. Outside the arena there were four protestors, who remained civil and tried to make their points.
Security was so tight that even members of the media had to be escorted anywhere they went, including the bathrooms.
WNYNewsNow Multimedia Journalist Justin Gould contributed to this report.
Watch the full rally on our YouTube page.