(WKYT) – President Donald Trump spoke to a crowd at Northern Kentucky University’s Truist Arena Saturday afternoon to support Republican candidates on next month’s ballot, including U.S. Senate candidate Andy Barr.
People traveled from across Kentucky for the event. Some waited outside the arena for hours, including Ed Morgan, who said he left his Laurel County home at 3 a.m. Saturday.
“We’ve been drinking good Kentucky bourbon for two days getting ready for this event so we won’t feel anything,” Morgan said.
Trump arrives to Lee Greenwood music
Trump entered the arena just after 2 p.m. to the traditional music of Lee Greenwood. Few people in the crowd sat down.
“A very special hello to Kentucky,” Trump said.
Trump said his visit was primarily to support Barr, who is running for the U.S. Senate seat long held by Mitch McConnell. McConnell was not mentioned Saturday.
“Your next Senator Andy Barr has been a warrior in Congress for many years, and I know him better than anyone. We’ve fought side by side for so long,” Trump said.
Other candidates mentioned but not in attendance
The rally was held in the 4th Congressional District, which Ed Gallrein is running to represent. Other congressional candidates did not attend but were mentioned, including Jamey Comer, Ralph Alvarado and Hal Rogers.
Barr received Trump’s endorsement just before the primary in May. Some have questioned whether he still promotes that endorsement, but Saturday he did not leave much doubt.
“And with your help we are going to continue to work with this President to make America great again and stop socialism. God Bless you Mr. President,” Barr said.
Barr said he has fought alongside Trump to deliver tax relief, build the border wall, and deliver large investments to the state.
The event was held at the Truist Center, which holds more than 8,000 people. The lower arena area was mostly full, but no one sat in the upper arena area.