CHESAPEAKE, Va. (WAVY) — Thousands of people turned out to hear former President Donald Trump at a rally in Chesapeake Friday, a day after the first presidential debate with President Joe Biden.
Trump took the stage around 4 p.m. and spoke for about 90 minutes. There was a lot of anticipation from the crowd ahead of his arrival.
WAVY’s Andy Fox was at historic Greenbrier Farms for the rally, in which an estimated 10,000 people attended.
Supporters spoke to WAVY about their reaction to Trump’s speech.
“I just think it’s wonderful,” said Virginia Beach resident Janis Lane. “He’s going to bring our economy back to the way it needs to be because Joe Biden has ruined it.”
For Lane, the economy is the major issue.
“I mean we all have to live, we all have to eat,” Lane said.
The military was the important issue for Sligo, North Carolina resident Sandra Justiss.
“I’m pleased he’s going to rebuild our military and protect us against the world,” Justiss said. “And, we need somebody who realizes we have to be from a place of power, not a place of loud talk.”
Another participant, Jennifer, told WAVY her positive reaction to the rally.
“I think it went really well,” Jennifer said. “I mean, it was good to see everybody coming together and supporting each other. Lots of red, white, and blue everywhere.”
To watch Trump’s full speech, click here.
Before Trump took the stage, the crowd heard from Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin, Virginia Senate candidate Hung Cao and others.
Other politicians and government officials were also in attendance.
During Trump’s speech, he mentioned guests such as U.S. Rep. Jen Kiggans (VA-02), Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares and former Virginia Gov. George Allen.
Following the speech, Trump made his way back to the Norfolk International Airport. Chopper 10 captured Trump’s travel heading out of Chesapeake. Take a look at the video, below.
While Trump did not speak until close to 4 p.m., it was an all-day event for supporters.
Some people had arrived as much as 15 hours earlier, telling WAVY they arrived at 2 a.m.