In Margaret Atwood’s dystopian novel The Handmaid’s Tale, the totalitarian regime of Gilead rises from the ashes of America. Well, folks, if you want a sneak peek at what a modern-day Gilead might look like, look no further than Donald Trump‘s recent rally in the Bronx.
At Crotona Park, Trump supporters decked out in their finest MAGA gear, waving flags and signs with slogans like “Make America Great Again” and “Trump 2024: The Revenge Tour.” The former President made a pitch to Black and Latino voters, touting his economic policies and tough stance on crime and immigration (never mind that his administration’s policies have disproportionately harmed communities of color).
However, his rally in the blue stronghold is billed as a grand convergence of supporters in a city that famously thrives on its multicultural heartbeat. Indeed, the only thing more detached from reality than the demographic makeup of the crowd was the idea that this borough was turning out for Trump. So, where were the real Bronxites? Probably avoiding this bizarre spectacle. And who were the audience? The racists, the sexists, the homophobes, and the people who treat Donald’s “Unified Reich” remark as a playbook for societal overhaul.
Well, looking at the crowd at Trump’s rally, it wasn’t hard to imagine a future where red MAGA hats replace the bonnets of the handmaids and start chanting “Under His Eye” or some shit.
At the end of the day, this rally wasn’t about reaching out to the diverse communities of New York City. It was a chance for Trump to speak to his biggest fans and enjoy their praise, fans who would gladly follow him into the depths of hell.