A rally featuring President Trump and gubernatorial candidate Charles Herbster was postponed around 3 PM on Friday, just as the doors were officially set to open. A line of severe storms was forecast to sweep through the area at the same time the 45th President was scheduled to speak, bringing the potential for hail and even tornadoes late Friday night.
Between 1,000 and 1,500 people had already arrived for the event, some as early as 9 AM, eager to see the former President. The grounds of the I-80 Speedway buzzed with the energy of a large tailgate party. Vendors lined the route to the entryway, selling pro-Trump (and anti-Biden) T-shirts and flags, while Twitter influencers like “BeardVet” served coffee and hamburgers to passersby.
Herbster made the announcement from atop his parade float around 3:15 PM, thanking the crowd for attending but explaining that, for their safety, the rally would be postponed until Monday. Guest speakers, including David Bossie of Citizens United and Matt Schlapp of CPAC, had already arrived and lingered to meet and greet a few attendees as the crowd began to disperse. Herbster also stayed to speak with the media and take photos with guests, including Trump cosplayer Steve Rhodes, who had earlier led those waiting in line with chants of “USA! USA!”
The rally has been rescheduled for Monday, March 17, 2025, at 5 PM.
