Local groups react to Trump’s planned rally in the Coachella Valley
Former President Donald Trump is hosting a rally in Coachella on Saturday, October 12, and from social media to statements from leadership, the news has drawn many opinions.
“Apparently, he will do anything for a dollar. And it’s obvious the reason he’s coming here is that he thinks he’s going to able to take quite a bit of money out of the Coachella Valley,” Elle Kurpiewski of the Democratic Headquarters of the Desert. “I just find this insulting to the people of Coachella, to the people of Southern California.”
Coachella Mayor Steven Hernandez issued a controversial statement on denouncing the rally on Monday.
Trump’s attacks on immigrants, women, the LGBTQ community and the most vulnerable among us don’t align with the values of our community. He has consistently expressed disdain for the type of diversity that helps define Coachella. We don’t know why Trump is visiting near Coachella, but we know he wasn’t invited by the people who live here. He ain’t like us.”
- Coachella Mayor Steven Hernandez
Hernandez told News Channel 3 that he stands by his statement and references the results of the 2020 election — in which a majority of the city voted Democratic.
Kurpiewski said Hernandez has a right to speak on behalf of his constituents.
“The mayor made a statement about his city, and he knows his city very well. The mayor has a right this speak. As far as I know, we still have free speech in this country,” Kurpiewski said. “The demographics of the city of Coachella certainly do not align well if you think about it with Mr. Trump.”
The city of Coachella is roughly 98 percent Hispanic.
Since that statement was made by Hernandez, News Channel 3 has been receiving a number of emails and comments from upset residents — saying it was inappropriate and inaccurate.
“A mayor is not supposed to be one side or the other,” said Joy Miedecke, president of the East Valley Women’s Patriots group.
Miedecke said Hernandez is misrepresenting his city.
“This is happening for all the people and he is elected to represent the people of his city as the mayor and what he does is he only represents the Democrats and that’s not fair," Miedecke said.
Congressman Raul Ruiz also criticized the former president's visit.
Republican groups like the Log Cabin Republicans, an LGBT conservative and straight allies group, say the mayor's comments "do not represent us."
But whether you agree or disagree — both groups say the best way to handle this is by going to the polls.
Stay with News Channel 3 for continuing coverage of the Trump rally and the 2024 election.
