New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie (right) introduced republican presidential candidate Donald Trump in Columbus on March 1. Credit: Daniel Herbener | Lantern Reporter
In front of a crowd of nearly 5,000 and a private jet sporting his last name, presidential candidate Donald Trump delivered a speech at the Port Columbus International Airport Tuesday, reinforcing many of his already-stated policies and pulling no punches.
Trump was consistent in his stance on illegal immigration, including the need to build a wall along the Mexican border. This comes on the heels of comments made by former Mexican President Vicente Fox denouncing Trump’s claim that he will force Mexico to pay for this wall.
“That wall is getting taller and taller with every interview that these ex-Mexican presidents do,” Trump said.
In addition, Trump held firm on the need for a stronger mentality on trade with China, as well as his plan to create many jobs in the U.S. if elected.
“It’s the greatest theft in the history of the world what they have done to us,” Trump said. “I will be the greatest jobs president that God ever created.”
In what has become routine, Trump took shots at his opponents, mainly Texas Sen. Ted Cruz and Florida Sen. Marco Rubio. Trump referred to Rubio as “Little Marco” throughout his speech and Cruz as “Lyin’ Ted.” Trump also took aim at the media.
“The media are the most dishonest people that you’ll deal with,” Trump explained through a chorus of boos. “They are such liars. They are such disgusting people, most of them.”
Trump avoided mentions of recent controversies surrounding his campaign, including his refusal to release his tax returns or denounce the leader of the Ku Klux Klan. Former KKK Grand Wizard David Duke encouraged his supporters to vote for the GOP front runner, and said doing otherwise would be treason. Trump initially refused to condemn Duke in an interview with CNN.
The speech was interrupted three times by protesters who were immediately removed from the premises.
The visit came on Super Tuesday, during which 11 states held primaries, not including Ohio. However, Trump explained the need for a strong presence in Ohio even with its primary two weeks away.
“Winning Ohio is so important. It will send signals like nothing else,” Trump said, adding that he will return to Ohio before the March 15 primary.
New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie introduced the businessman, urging the audience to ignore the efforts of Trump’s “desperate opponents” in the next two weeks.
“You know the truth. The strong leader in this race is Donald J. Trump,” Christie said.
Michael Lakomy, president of the College Democrats and a third-year in accounting, said he has tried to stay optimistic that Trump will not receive the nomination.
“I am just hopeful that this wave of support that Donald Trump is riding is just an anomaly,” Lakomy said. “If not, it means over the next several decades we will have a lot of work to do.”
As of 10 p.m. Tuesday, Trump had won 5 Republican primaries: Alabama, Georgia, Massachusetts, Tennessee and Virginia.
