TRUMP TO VISIT NC
As president makes campaign stop, first lady visiting Ashe County
President Donald Trump is making plans to visit Gastonia on Wednesday, Sept. 16, to attend a campaign rally for U.S. Senate candidate Michael Whatley.
The last time Trump was in Gaston County was in November 2024 when he held a rally just days before the election, attracting several thousand participants and supporters.
The president will be delivering remarks at a campaign rally for Whatley, who is Trump's endorsed candidate for the U.S. Senate. Whatley hopes to succeed retiring Republican Sen. Thom Tillis.
For those interested in attending, the rally will be held at the Gaston Municipal Airport at 1126 Gaston Day School Road, and is set to begin at 7 p.m.
People can register for tickets online. Whatley, a Blowing Rock native, currently makes his home in Gaston County and he announced Trump's impending arrival on Facebook. "I am thrilled to welcome Donald J. Trump to my home of Gastonia next Wednesday, September 16," Whatley said. "President Trump needs an ally in the Senate and North Carolina needs a fighter. That's why we will win on November 3!"
Whatley previously served as chairman of the North Carolina Republican Party and chairman of the Republican National Committee during the 2024 cycle.
Congressman Tim Moore, a Kings Mountain native running for re-election, also spoke about Trump's visit on his Facebook page.
"Honored to welcome President Trump to the 14th Congressional District on Wednesday for a visit to Gastonia," he said.
He included a link to sign up to attend the rally.
The announcements were met with mixed results with some people voicing their opposition to Trump in the comments and some support.
First lady Melania Trump plans to visit Ashe County on Tuesday, according to an article by the Raleigh News and Observer.
On Friday, White House officials announced that the first lady plans to visit Ashe County to promote community resiliency after Hurricane Helene and education technology in American schools.
The White House said Trump's visit will be part of her focus on preparing children and youth for success in the digital era.
"Mrs. Trump will deliver remarks to elementary school students and visit classrooms to view how they are immersing technology in education," the White House said. "The visit to a local school will mark the return of the First Lady to western North Carolina since she and President Donald J. Trump toured damage of Hurricane Helene in January 2025."
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect


