President Trump traveled to North Carolina on Wednesday to campaign for Republican Senate candidate Michael Whatley, the first stop in a promised swing through 35 House and Senate races ahead of November’s midterm elections. The state’s Senate contest is considered pivotal to whether Republicans retain their majority.
Trump built his remarks around crime and public safety, telling the crowd that his administration had reversed years of rising disorder. “President Trump and the Republicans in Congress are making America Safe Again. We’re never going back to the disaster we had just two years ago,” he said.
He drew a sharp contrast between Whatley and his Democratic opponent, former Gov. Roy Cooper, pointing to prison releases that occurred during Cooper’s eight years in office. “This guy… this governor, when he was governor, he let out 3,500 people, many of them murderers,” Trump said. He framed the choice for voters in stark terms: “You can either vote for Roy Cooper to set loose criminals who rape and murder your children and your population, or you can vote for Michael Whatley to protect and defend your children and your population.”
“Michael Whatley is the candidate of law and order.”
Trump said Whatley, if elected, would work to eliminate sanctuary city policies in North Carolina and partner with the administration on further public-safety measures.
The president also highlighted tax policy, pointing to provisions eliminating taxes on tips, overtime and Social Security income. He cited an average federal tax refund of $3,542 for the 2025 tax year as evidence the policies were putting money back into North Carolinians’ pockets.
Whatley’s Pitch
Whatley took the stage after Trump’s remarks and pledged to focus on economic opportunity, public safety and military strength. “I want every North Carolina family to make more money, to keep more money. I want every community to be safe and secure. I want us to have the strongest Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard in the entire world,” he said.
He closed with a personal appeal to voters, framing his candidacy around opportunity for the next generation. “I’m running for Senate because I want every one of your kids, and every one of your grandkids, to live the American Dream, just like I have here in North Carolina,” Whatley said. “And I am excited about fighting for North Carolina, for every family, for every community, and fighting alongside the greatest president of our lifetime: Donald J. Trump!”
North Carolina’s Senate race is expected to remain one of the most closely watched contests of the midterm cycle as both parties fight for control of the chamber.
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