Republican nominee and former president Donald Trump recently headlined a rally at Madison Square Garden, New York City.

Stirring up strong rhetoric and controversy among his supporters and critics alike.

The rally was packed with fervent supporters, political allies, and notable figures who took the stage before Trump’s arrival to voice their staunch opposition to the Democratic Party.

Among the pre-speech speakers, one controversial figure went so far as to label Vice President Kamala Harris as “the Antichrist,” drawing gasps from some and applause from others.

Another individual ignited public outrage by disparaging Puerto Rico, calling it “a floating island of garbage,”

A remark that has since sparked backlash from Puerto Rican officials and celebrities like rapper Bad Bunny.

Adding fuel to the fire, former Fox News host Tucker Carlson attacked Harris’s background, suggesting that any critique of her would result in being labelled “a freak” or “a criminal.”

When Trump finally took the stage for an 80-minute speech, he painted a grim picture of the Democratic party.

Describing it as controlled by an “amorphous group” of powerful people he deemed “smart and vicious.”

Referring to his opponents as “the enemy within,” he urged his supporters to rally against them and even referred to election day as a potential “liberation” from migrants.

Evoking a range of reactions from the crowd.

However, as the night wore on, media on the ground noted the thinning of attendees, with some supporters exiting before the speech concluded.

Washington Post takes a break

In a significant shift, The Washington Post announced it will abstain from endorsing any candidate in this election.

A move reportedly decided by owner Jeff Bezos.

This break from tradition has stirred controversy.

Critics like former executive editor Marty Baron decrying it as “cowardice, with democracy as its casualty.”

As tensions rise, the 2024 election promises to be one of the most polarized in U.S. history.