Former President Donald Trump made a recent appearance at the Palmetto Bowl in South Carolina, where he received cheers from a sold-out crowd. The Palmetto Bowl is an annual football game between two South Carolina-based teams: Clemson University and the University of South Carolina.
Many have speculated that Trump’s presence in The Palmetto State was a message to former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, a contender for the GOP nomination, discouraging her from challenging him for the presidency. Clemson University is Haley’s alma mater, as reported by the Post Millennial.
The crowd at the Palmetto Bowl erupted with excitement as Trump stepped onto the field, and footage showed them chanting “USA” as the former president waved to his supporters. Supporters also gathered on social media platforms like X (formerly known as Twitter) in anticipation of Trump’s arrival at the stadium.
President Trump is in a box at the Williams-Brice Stadium to watch the South Carolina vs Clemson game.
He waves to his supporters as they chant “U-S-A!” pic.twitter.com/DxVTtSgStX
— The Post Millennial (@TPostMillennial) November 26, 2023
Notably, in addition to being Haley’s alma mater, the former South Carolina governor holds a seat on Clemson University’s board of trustees.
Trump’s history with Clemson University’s football team goes back to 2019 when he hosted the team at the White House for a feast of burgers and pizza.
The former president has consistently received a warm welcome when attending sports events, and in September 2023, he visited the Iowa vs. Iowa State football game, where he was greeted with loud applause as he entered the stadium.
Happening Now: President Trump makes his way into the stadium to watch the Clemson vs. South Carolina College football game.
Crowd goes wild! pic.twitter.com/e03EmACe8g
— The Post Millennial (@TPostMillennial) November 26, 2023
Georgia State Sen. Brandon Beach, who attended the Iowa football game, commented that “President Trump knows he can connect with people and they are going to connect with him.” He emphasized that Trump represents American values and the desire for policies like good energy policy and a secure border.
In the GOP presidential primary field, Trump has consistently maintained a significant lead over all challengers, including Nikki Haley. A recent Harvard/Harris poll showed Trump leading the former South Carolina governor by 59 points.
