Eric Trump, the second youngest son of President Donald Trump, hosted a campaign rally for his father last Thursday in Becker that yielded well over 700 excited guests.

The event took place on the grounds of T.J. Potter Trucking in the Becker Business Park. Seating was first allotted for 250-300 people, but as the hordes lined up and waves of red, white and blue hats, shirts and banners cascaded across the parking lot, volunteers quickly scrambled to set up new rows of chairs in the venue.

Eric Trump was embarking on a Make America Great Again campaign through Minnesota and Wisconsin, Oct. 1. His second rally was to take place in Rothschild, WI later that evening.

Before the main speaker arrived, Rep. Paul Novotny gathered the spectators, who bowed their heads and removed their MAGA hats in a solemn prayer to kick things off. Rep. Shane Mekeland followed that gesture by inviting all guests to face the giant American flag on display and recite the Pledge of Allegiance.

Jennifer Carnahan, chair for the Republican Party of Minnesota and wife of U.S. Representative from Minnesota’s 1st congressional district, Jim Hagedorn, spent some 15 minutes or so stirring up the crowd by speaking of the party’s platform and her excitement for the Eric Trump visit.

Becker Mayor Tracy Bertram had the honor of thanking the guests for attending and for introducing Eric Trump to the enthusiastic crowd on a stage flanked by semi trucks and large American flags hanging from cranes.

Eric Trump’s speech began by thanking Bertram and Carnahan, then immediately stoked the crowd by saying his father intends to win the election along with winning the State of Minnesota.

“We love this country and we are going to fight and we are going to win this thing,” he said. “And you know what, we lost this state by one percent in 2016 and I am very mad at all of you, we lost this state in 2016 and I can tell you we are going to win it this time, we’re going to win it this time.”

Minnesota is a key state in the 2020 Presidential election and has been visited numerous times by both President Trump and former Vice-President Joe Biden.

Eric Trump blasted attempts at voter fraud, Ilhan Omar and Mayor Jacob Frey but also touted the area’s energy producers, farmers, local police and veterans.

Mekeland, who for over nine months had been working with others (including Todd and Barb Potter) on bringing a preeminent campaigner to his district, was excited and pleased with last Thursday’s rally.

“I think Eric knocked it out of the park,” Mekeland said of Eric’s speech. “He hit all the talking points that were important. It was a proud moment.”

Mayor Bertram was grateful for being part of a big deal in Becker.

“I owe a huge thank you to Barb and Todd (Potter) for elevating our city to another level,” she said.   “The Potter’s new facility in the Business Park was the perfect backdrop for showcasing Becker and our ambitious growth as a city.” 

Bertram admitted later, Eric Trump caught her off-guard.

“What surprised me, besides his height, was the knowledge Eric had about our city and his genuine engagement of conversation with me on particular issues,” she said.

Besides Mekeland, Novotny and Bertram, other attendees included Sen. Mary Kiffmeyer, Jim Newberger, Sen. Andrew Mathews and former Becker Mayor Lefty Kleis. Several former and current Becker and Big Lake city council members were also in attendance as well as prominent business owners and citizens from area communities.

All four network TV stations covered the event as well as the StarTribune and St. Cloud Times.

Rumor has it, another preeminent campaigner may be holding another rally in the near future in a city in Central Minnesota to the northwest.

Don’t stow away those MAGA hast and banners just yet...