President Trump expressed strong criticism towards reporters from The New York Times and other media outlets, suggesting they should be “arrested” due to their coverage of his rally in Ohio on Saturday.
Trump reacted to coverage that suggested attendance issues. He posted on Truth Social, sharing a video showing people queuing for the event, claiming the Ohio Arena was filled to capacity despite media reports.
The New York Times correspondent Katie Rogers reported that “several areas of an upper deck were empty” when Trump finished speaking at Butler High School in Vandalia. The venue, which has a capacity of 4,500 people, was described differently by Trump, who denied the presence of empty seats and asserted that “thousands of people had to be turned away.”
Trump accused outlets such as The New York Times of reporting inaccurately. He stated that they exaggerate crowds at rallies for Sen. Bernie Sanders and downplay attendance at his events. Trump claimed that at his “SOLD OUT Rallies,” attendees from the upper sections moved to the Main Floor, a “migration” he described as a regular occurrence.
At the rally, Trump shared a moment when he took the stage while attendees chanted “USA.” He highlighted the presence of thousands outside the venue who couldn’t get in, asking attendees to offer their seats to those waiting. During the event, Trump endorsed Sen. Jon Husted, facing a challenging reelection against former Sen. Sherrod Brown.
Former NFL coach Jon Gruden also spoke at the rally, expressing his support for Husted, calling him a friend who “will never quit.”
Trump has consistently criticized The Times, suggesting the outlet covers him negatively. Recently, the Justice Department subpoenaed phone records of several Times journalists and their families, following reports concerning the safety of a Qatari-gifted jet for Air Force One. The department later withdrew the request.
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