Trump vows to build border wall; takes swipe at Gov. Martinez in Albuquerque
Presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump’s rally in New Mexico has been interrupted repeatedly by protesters, who shouted, held up banners and resisted removal by security officers.
The banners included the messages “Trump is Fascist” and “We’ve heard enough.”
Trump is responding with his usual bluster, instructing security to remove the protesters and mocking their actions by telling them to “Go home to mommy.”
He responded to one demonstrator by asking, “How old is this kid?” Then he provided his own answer: “Still wearing diapers.”
Trump’s supporters responded with chants of “Build that wall!”
And the candidate repeated his campaign promise, “We’re going to build a wall, and it’s going to be a real wall and it’s going to be taller than this ceiling here. And it’s going to be a beautiful wall… We’re going to have such a border and it’s going to be respected.”
Trump took a swipe at Republican Governor Susana Martinez as he talked about increased unemployment, a decrease in income and a hike in the number of people in food stamps in New Mexico.
“The governor has got to do a better job. Maybe I’ll run for governor of New Mexico. She’s gotta do a better job, we gotta get her moving.”
Martinez has not endorsed Trump and did not appear with him at the rally.
In a statement to ABC-7, Martinez’s spokesman Mike Lonergan said, “The Governor appreciates that presidential candidates are visiting New Mexico and shining a spotlight on the state and she welcomes them. She hopes they use this opportunity to address critical federal issues that New Mexicans care most about — like protecting our labs and bases.”
The candidate also responded to an ad released by the Hillary Clinton campaign Tuesday designed to paint the billionaire businessman as profiting off the housing crisis that hurt millions of Americans.
The spot plays audio from a 2006 interview where Trump said a real estate market crash could be a good way for him to earn more money.
In Albuquerque, Trump said it was natural for him to root for the bubble to crash back then.
“Did you know I’m a businessman? That’s what I’m supposed to do. I feel badly for everybody. I’m in business, who the hell would’ve thought I would be running for office?”
As the presidential hopeful spoke to thousands, protesters outside the Albuquerque Convention Center overran barricades and clashed with police in riot gear. They also burned T-shirts and other items labeled with Trump’s catchphrase, “Make America Great Again.”
Trump vowed to be back in New Mexico before the general election in November.
He boasted about his popularity with Hispanics and before leaving, he vowed to “keep winning so much” as president, New Mexicans would beg him not to win anymore.
“Please, please, we can’t take it anymore. The people of New Mexico can’t stand it, Mr. President. We can’t win anymore.”
Then supporters rushed to snap a photo of the candidate as “Y’all Ready for This?” by 2 Unlimited blared, followed by the operatic “Nessun Dorma,” by Giacomo Puccini, which translates to “None shall sleep.”