Former President Donald Trump visited the King of Knockouts barbershop in the Bronx on Thursday, October 17th, ahead of his scheduled appearance at the annual Al Smith charity dinner in New York City. Trump, the leading Republican candidate in the 2024 presidential race, spent about an hour engaging with customers and barbers at the local business.
During the visit, the area was heavily secured by law enforcement, including the New York Police Department and the United States Secret Service, as a precaution for the former president’s safety. Streets surrounding the barbershop, located in Castle Hill, were temporarily closed, and one protester was detained for breaching security barricades.
The visit quickly gained widespread attention online. Senior Trump advisers Steven Cheung and Margo Martin shared video clips of the event on X (formerly Twitter), which received over 250,000 views within hours. Barbers at the shop sported shirts that read “Make Barbers Great Again,” a nod to Trump’s famous “Make America Great Again” slogan that has been central to his political identity since his 2016 campaign.
This visit to the Bronx marked Trump’s second trip to the borough during the 2024 campaign. Despite New York being a solid Democratic stronghold in presidential elections, Trump has made efforts to appeal to voters in traditionally Republican-leaning areas, particularly in rural parts of the state. While Trump lost New York by significant margins in both the 2016 and 2020 elections, his presence in these areas signals his strategic push to energize his voter base and increase turnout, even in regions typically dominated by Democrats.
Sammy Ravelo, a community leader, commented on Trump’s appearance at the barbershop, saying, “It’s truly encouraging to see President Trump visit the poorest county in our state not only once but twice, especially since no other president has taken such a step. This gesture brings significant attention to areas that often feel overlooked and marginalized, highlighting the importance of addressing poverty and inequality. By acknowledging and engaging with the challenges faced by the residents, these visits can inspire hope and foster a sense of inclusion. This initiative could pave the way for future policies aimed at uplifting impoverished communities, setting a valuable precedent for future administrations to prioritize the needs of all citizens, regardless of their socioeconomic status.”
Following his barbershop stop, Trump headed to the Al Smith charity dinner, where he was expected to be the featured speaker. The event, a staple in New York City politics, raises money for Catholic charities and is traditionally attended by both presidential candidates. Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic nominee, chose not to attend the event in person, opting instead to send a pre-recorded video message.
As the 2024 presidential race continues to intensify, both Trump and Harris are focusing their campaigns on critical battleground states. While New York is expected to remain firmly in Democratic hands, the race remains competitive on a national scale.
