Former President Donald Trump is in Asheville today, Aug. 14, to hold a campaign rally in his bid to regain the presidency in the Nov. 5 general election. It is Trump's first campaign visit to Asheville since September 2016, when attendees and protesters clashed in mostly verbal encounters in sometimes chaotic scenes on the streets downtown.
Trump did hold a rally in October 2016 at the Ag Center in Fletcher, and in August 2020, he visited a produce packing plant in Mills River.
The Citizen Times has reporters and photographers covering all angles of the rally. Stay with us all day today as we bring you live updates from outside Harrah's Cherokee Center - Asheville before and after the rally and also from inside during the event, which is scheduled to begin at 3 p.m.
Untangling rent increases
More from reporter Will Hofmann, who is in Thomas Wolfe Auditorium for the Donald Trump rally today in Asheville.
As Trump says that record rent increases have come under President Joe Biden, Fair Market Rent statistics depict a complex image for Asheville.
While rent prices have increased under Biden, rents rose in Asheville at a faster rate during Trump's presidency.
Under Trump, Asheville Fair Market Rent — reported by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development — for a one-bedroom apartment was reported to increase from $713 in 2017 to $1,045 in 2020 — a 46% increase. Under Biden, the trend continued. Fair Market Rent estimates for Asheville grew from $1,099 in 2021 to an estimated $1,496 in 2024 — a 36% increase.
No mention of JD Vance?
From reporter Will Hofmann, who is in Thomas Wolfe Auditorium for the Donald Trump rally today in Asheville.
While stumping in Appalachia, Trump has largely avoided discussing running mate JD Vance, who is from the region. Vance has been the subject of recent reports tying him to right-wing extremists and has faced criticism for his recent questioning of Vice Presidential candidate Tim Walz's military record.
Left on the outside
Ryley Ober reports from outside Donald Trump's rally today in Asheville:
Shortly before Trump began his speech, a large crowd lingered outside Harrah’s Cherokee Center, starting intermittent chants of “fight, fight, fight” and “four more years.” At the side of the crowd, Jennifer Flory, 48, stood with three of her friends. They drove 1.5 hours from Dallas, North Carolina, for a chance to see Trump for a second time, but arrived too late, Flory said. Flory and her friends stood around even after the event’s doors closed, “just for the experience, just to be part of the crowd.”
Pro-Palestine protest
Ryley Ober reports from outside Donald Trump's rally today in Asheville:
Three blocks away from where Trump stands on stage making remarks to an Asheville crowd, a group of 10 chanted at Pack Square, “We are all Palestinians.” Many of them are part of the Party for Socialism and Liberation.
“Trump’s here in town, but this is not about Trump. It’s not about Harris. It’s not about Biden,” Claire Clark, 43, told the Citizen Times. “We’re here to raise our voices for a free Palestine. We want to see not only a free Palestine, we want to see a free humanity, and that means we need an entirely new system.”
Julia Wingle, 26, stood on the square with a sign, chanting along with the group. In reaction to Trump choosing Asheville to rally, she said, “I believe in free speech and he has the right to be here,” but added she’s not going to vote for him. Wingle said she felt it was important to be out here today, because no matter if it’s Trump or Harris, we “can’t be complicit in genocide.” On Election Day in November, Wingle said she’ll be voting for Jill Stein “because she’s the only candidate that’s spoken out” against the Israel-Hamas war.
Trump takes the stage
From reporter Will Hofmann, who is in Thomas Wolfe Auditorium at Donald Trump's rally today in Asheville:
Former President Donald Trump has taken the stage to a standing ovation from supporters. The crowd began to chant “USA. USA. USA,” as he stood adjacent to the microphone for about a minute and a half before beginning his speech.
Mark Robinson speaks at Trump rally
Will Hofmann reports from Thomas Wolfe Auditorium:
Lt. Governor and gubernatorial candidate Mark Robinson spoke after Rep. Chuck Edwards opened today's Donald Trump rally in Asheville.
Robinson, who was met with a raucous standing ovation after taking the stage, immediately invoked a Christian prayer.
"As always let us give thanks to our lord and savior Jesus Christ," Robinson began his speech.
Robinson focused on economic policy during his speech, though didn't specifically cite what policies would strengthen the economy. He stated that he believes he needs "President Donald Trump to fix this economy,” briefly addressing the gubernatorial election and then ending his speech by blessing the audience.
As the second-highest ranking elected official in North Carolina, Robinson's previous speeches have seen the candidate frequently invoke his Christianity. Robinson has also previously attended delivering political speeches at North Carolina churches, something that has got him in hot water. At a church in 2024, he recently stated that "some folks need killin',” and in 2021 he stated that "hom*osexuality and transgenderism" is "filth" — a statement his office would later walk back to explain that it was about LGBTQ+ topics being discussed in classrooms.
In lieu of his 2021 comments, Buncombe County Democratic Sen. Julie Mayfield spoke on the N.C. Senate floor stating that "all people are human beings deserving of respect," in response to Robinson's earlier remarks. Afterward, an upset Robinson publicly confronted Mayfield and would later allege that she equated "the lynching of African-Americans, to the hardships of the LGBTO+ community."
'Drugs are pouring in'
Republican Sen. Ted Budd spoke after Chuck Edwards during today's Donald Trump rally in Asheville, and Will Hofmann reports from inside Thomas Wolfe Auditorium.
Budd said that life was "better off" when Trump was in the White House, claiming that the Biden presidency has made the nation unsafe and unaffordable as "drugs are pouring in" and "terrorists are flooding our home" across the Southern border.
Thomas Wolfe is full
Citizen Times Executive Editor Karen Chávez reports:
The Thomas Wolfe Auditorium is now at full capacity, according to Harrah’s Cherokee Center general manager Chris Corl.
“We’ll do a one in, one out if people start to leave, but at this time we don’t anticipate anyone else being able to enter the auditorium,” Corl told the Citizen Times at 3 p.m.
He said staff have been telling people arriving for past 10 minutes that they are at capacity.
“About 1 in every 3 people decide to leave,” he said. Most people are just milling about on Haywood Street, he said.
Also, Corl said he doesn’t have an exact number but “definitely more than 2,000 people have entered the auditorium.”
The capacity today is 2,055 people.
The rally is officially underway
Will Hofmann reports from inside Thomas Wolfe Auditorium, where Donald Trump is holding a campaign rally today:
Congressman Chuck Edwards just took the stage asking a roaring crowd: “Where are the Donald Trump fans today?”
Edwards, who delivered a relatively short speech, attempted to rebuke Kamala Harris' recent slogan, "We aren't going back," by stating that he’s "ready to go back” to a Donald Trump presidency.
"I can't think of a better way to fix how Washington works than to make Donald J. Trump our president again," Edwards said.
All's well that ends well
Ryley Ober reports from outside of the Donald Trump rally today in downtown Asheville:
Around 1:30 p.m., a short verbal conflict could be heard on the sidewalk of Battery Park Avenue, between a group of women holding Kamala Harris signs and a woman wearing Trump merch. While the pro-Harris group walked by, the woman said “nice shirt.” The group responded by offering a sign, which was met with a string of profanities, according to Sharron Davis.
“We’re not here to engage. We’re just putting up our sign like they have the right to do as well,” Davis, 84, of Asheville, later told the Citizen Times.
After more back and forth, this time with a man who walked by, the conflict ended with a hug and a Trump shirt given back to it’s owner after it had been dropped during the conflict.
Davis and her crew said they’ve done peaceful protests all their lives, and when tensions rise, it’s important to not engage. Billie Marzullo, 76, of Asheville, added that they are on the streets of downtown Asheville Aug. 14 to do three things: “wear our T-shirts, carry our signs and smile.”
“We’re not here out of anger, we are here out of hope,” she said, adding that they feel the anger has come from the Trump administration.
Davis and Marzullo said they support Harris because they hope she’ll bring “sensibility back to this country.” Top issues for them include women’s rights and book banning, with Davis saying “let’s get back to the separation of church and state.”
The group said they are “surprised but not surprised” that there are specific “demonstration zones” for protesters, and expressed irritation over feeling “cordoned off” and being placed where “nobody can see.”
A McDonald's connection?
Dining reporter Tiana Kennell noted that in previous accounts, Donald Trump has expressed his preference for the fast-food chain McDonald’s.
That's a topic close to the heart of one of the speakers at today's Trump campaign stop in Asheville, Rep. Chuck Edwards. The Henderson County Republican who represents Western North Carolina owns a chain of McDonald's restaurants.
“I enjoy many commonalities with Donald Trump, including our philosophies on building an economy that works for American families - and a love for McDonald’s great-tasting food. I hope he’ll give me a chance to introduce him to a local McDonald’s restaurant,” Edwards told the Citizen Times.
Where are the Trump rally protesters?
Ryley Ober reports that there will be Trump event counter-rally at Pack Square at 3 p.m. That's the time Donald Trump's rally is scheduled to start inside Thomas Wolfe Auditorium.
At Trump's 2016 rally in Asheville, many protesters got right up in the faces of rallygoers. That the counter-rally will be held about a half mile from the rally itself may help the event avoid a repeat of 2016.
Economy, border, abortion
Ryley Ober reports on the scene outside Donald Trump's rally today in Asheville:
Just after 12:30 p.m., the line waiting to get into former President Donald Trump’s rally wrapped down Battery Park, around portable tables littered with Trump merch and past a team of Asheville Police Department bicycle patrol officers, and snaked up to the end of Otis Street.
Midway through the line — just past Dennis Justice, 51, of Fletcher, decked out in an Uncle Sam costume — a Weaverville family spoke about what they feel is the importance of this election: the economy, border and abortion. Bruce Fisher, 78, said he was a Democrat all his life until Trump first ran for president. Ella Wright, 68, of Black Mountain, and Rick Fisher, 65, of Weaverville, said that’s when they made the switch to Republican as well.
“He’s the only president that tried to do what he promised,” Bruce Fisher said, adding that he hopes Trump talks about the economy and abortion issues today.
Farther down the line, Hal Weatherman, Republican candidate for North Carolina lieutenant governor, walked toward Otis Street, shaking hands with those in line. After meeting with voters at Trump’s rallies in Greensboro and Charlotte, Weatherman said he came out today because he supports Trump.
“And to be brutally honest, there’s thousands of people here that I’m trying to earn their support,” Weatherman said.
Weatherman said when he’s visited Western North Carolina, the big issues residents care about are fentanyl, high cost of living, and crime, especially in urban areas.
He’s hoping Trump touches on these issues, and will be attending the rally, though his first priority is shaking everyone’s hand in line, he said.
Patriotic presence
Reporter Iris Seaton talked with Dennis Justice, who said he said he’s worn the costume to events like the Hendersonville fireworks show for photos but this is his first time wearing it to a rally.
Donald Trump's rally today is scheduled to begin at 3 p.m. at Thomas Wolfe Auditorium. Trump is expected to speak about economic issues beginning at 4 p.m.
'Harris for President' press conference
Sarah Honosky reports from Asheville:
In its small headquarters off of Old Fairview Road, the Buncombe County Democratic Party welcomed Anderson Clayton, the North Carolina Democratic Party Chair, to an Aug. 14 morning presser.
She entered the room to whoops and cheers from the few dozen people gathered in the cinderblock basem*nt. Against the far wall, cardboard cutouts of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris beamed.
The press conference was on the outskirts of town, less than 5 miles from the Harrah's Cherokee Center, where former president Donald Trump is slated to speak this afternoon.
Clayton spoke alongside N.C. State Rep. Caleb Rudow, N.C. House Rep. Eric Ager and Buncombe resident Pat Deck.
"Despite whatever lies he may try to spread today, North Carolinians know that that Donald Trump left our communities out to dry as president of the United States," Clayton said.
In a line that drew cheers from the sign-hefting crowd behind the speakers, Rudow said, "Vice President Kamala Harris and Governor Walz are the only candidates fighting for families and fighting for Western North Carolina."
Demonstrators gather downtown ahead of Asheville Trump rally
Will Hofmann checked in at one of the demonstration zones this morning as crowds gathered for Donald Trump's campaign stop in Asheville.
Asheville Police Department demonstration zones are relatively empty this morning as supporters line up outside of the Thomas Wolfe. A “fight fight fight” chant — in reference to what Trump said after the assassination attempt — began not long after a van stating “Weirdo” with the presidential candidate's image on a LCD screen passed by.
More people than seats
Will Hofmann reports from outside Harrah's Cherokee Center - Asheville, where Donald Trump will hold a campaign event today. Doors are scheduled to open at 1 p.m., the program is set to start at 3 p.m., and Trump is expected to speak at 4 p.m.
While other Asheville Trump rally attendees lined up in anticipation of getting into the Thomas Wolfe, Mike Miller and his wife from Greenville, South Carolina, left the line, as they had been told that they likely wouldn't be able to get in to the 2,400 capacity theater.
A Trump supporter, Miller said economic policy was his primary policy concern. In lieu of not being able to get in, they plan on getting lunch downtown. "Go see the rest of the line. Take pictures," Miller said of his afternoon activities.
Why is the Trump rally being held at Thomas Wolfe?
When Donald Trump held a rally in 2016 in Asheville, it was in the main arena at Harrah's Cherokee Center - Asheville, which holds about 7,600 people. Today, it will be in Thomas Wolfe Auditorium, which seats 2,431.
Reporter Sarah Honosky talked with city spokesperson Kim Miller, who said the smaller venue was requested by the Trump campaign.
"This is event has been described by the organizers as a 'townhall policy discussion,'" she said.
Respect a key issue
Reporter Iris Seaton talked to rallygoer Bob Campbell, who said he believed Donald Trump to be the best candidate to address the issues at the top of his mind. The former president is holding a campaign event today in Asheville.
“The economy and our position in the diplomatic world and world economically-wise, we're slipping badly,” Campbell said. “We've lost embassies and lost all respect.”
Who's paying for the Asheville Trump rally?
Citizen Times reporter Sarah Honosky took a look at how much it costs to put on an event like today's Donald Trump rally in Asheville. She learned from invoices that the Trump campaign spent $82,247 to rent Harrah's Cherokee Center - Asheville. That's more than twice what it cost for Trump's 2016 rally in Asheville.
The city said the fees were paid in full in advance. Read further for all of the details.
In full voice
Iris Seaton reports from outside of today's Donald Trump rally in Asheville:
Loyal Trump fans, bearing a variety of political and national flags, march the length of Haywood street chanting “God bless Trump.”
Scene at 10:45 a.m.
Reporter Iris Seaton is at today's Donald Trump rally in Asheville, and she said the crowd is growing ahead of the 1 p.m. time for doors to open.
The line of visitors waiting to see former President Donald Trump extends down the length of Haywood Street. As it lengthens, the line begins to curl around onto Battery Park Avenue, Seaton observed.
How many people will attend the Trump rally in Asheville?
The Thomas Wolfe Auditorium, where Donald Trump will hold his campaign rally today in Asheville, seats 2,431 people. That's about a quarter of the capacity of the ExploreAsheville.com Arena, where Trump spoke in 2016.
First in line
April Owens, and her nephew, Justin Hay, were the first in line for today's Donald Trump rally in Asheville, Citizen Times' Will Hofmann reported. They got in line Tuesday afternoon. Owens is from Mount Carmel, Tennessee, and Hay from Haysi, Virginia. Owens said it will be the 21st Trump rally she has attended.
Asheville weather today
Did you forget your umbrella ahead of today's Donald Trump rally? That shouldn't be a problem, as the weather today in Asheville is expected to be about as good as one could hope for on a mid-August day.
The National Weather Service says there is about a 20% chance of rain after 3 p.m., which is when the rally is scheduled to start. Otherwise, it will be mostly sunny with a high around 82.
Business boost
Donald Trump's rally today in Asheville likely will bring crowds to the city, and in turn, some downtown businesses expect the event will increase traffic downtown and in their dining rooms, reports Tiana Kennell, the Citizen Times restaurant reporter.
A day ahead of the rally, Alex Fraga, co-owner of Isa’s Bistro and Hemingway’s Cuba and the owner and president of the restaurants’ management company FIRC Group NC, said in an email that more customers are expected as both businesses are a block away from Harrah’s Cherokee Center.
“Like him or not, he always draws a crowd which should be good (in my opinion) for local downtown businesses as there will be a lot of pedestrian/foot traffic,” Fraga said.
Isa’s Bistro, 1 Battery Park Ave. at Haywood Park Hotel, is usually closed on Wednesdays but will open for lunch and dinner to host eventgoers.
Hemingway’s Cuba, 15 Page Ave. at Cambria Hotel, will be open for regular lunch and dinner hours.
Both restaurants will offer their regular menus.
Flying in or out of AVL today?
We haven't seen an itinerary for Donald Trump's travel plans to and from Asheville Regional Airport, but the airport doesn't expect major delays today.
"There's no event at the airport, so we are not anticipating any major disruption to flight operations, and so what we're doing is just advising customers to take extra time check the traffic report from their home to the airport if they're traveling," airport representative Tina Kinsey told reporter Iris Seaton.
Who is speaking at the Asheville Trump rally?
Ryley Ober reported that N.C. Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson will be speaking at today's campaign event. Robinson, a Republican who is running for governor this year, has expressed what Democrats say are extreme views on abortion and the LGBTQ+ community. At a recent talk at an N.C. church, Robinson said, "Some people need killin'," in reference to people with perceived "evil intent."
Also scheduled to speak is Rep. Chuck Edwards of Hendersonville, a Republican who represents Western North Carolina in Congress.
When does the Trump rally start?
Donald Trump's campaign rally today is at the Thomas Wolfe Auditorium n Harrah's Cherokee Center - Asheville. Doors open at 1 p.m., the program is scheduled to start at 3 p.m., and Trump is expected to speak starting at 4 p.m.
Where to park for the Asheville Trump rally
As Iris Seaton reported, city-owned parking garages will remain open during today event. The parking garage for Harrah's Cherokee Center will be open with entry and exit access only from Rankin Avenue.
Event parking rates will be applied starting at 8 a.m. today at the following garages:
- Harrah’s Cherokee Center - Asheville garage.
- Rankin garage.
- Wall Street garage.
Some on-street parking locations are closed:
- Haywood Street between Battery Park and Page Avenue.
- Page Avenue between Haywood Street and Battle Square.
- Hiawassee Street.
- Vanderbilt Place.
- West Walnut Street.
Why is Donald Trump rallying in Asheville?
Asheville is one of the most liberal cities in North Carolina, and Donald Trump is conservative. The last time Trump came to Asheville, it was a contentious event, while his subsequent rally at the Ag Center in Fletcher went smoothly. So, why did he choose Asheville this time? Reporter Sarah Honosky explores this topic in an article on citizentimes.com.
Downtown road closures
Some streets near Harrah's Cherokee Center are closed today because of Donald Trump's campaign stop in Asheville:
- Haywood Street from Battery Park Avenue to O’Henry Avenue.
- Page Avenue from Haywood Street to Battle Square.
- Walnut Street from Haywood Street to Rankin Avenue.
- Hiawassee Street from Flint Street to North Lexington Avenue.
- Flint Street from Haywood Street to Cherry Street.
- Vanderbilt Place.
The streets are planned to reopen around 10 p.m. Wednesday.
Todd Runkle is a content coach for the Asheville Citizen Times and also the Carolinas Connect editor. Reach him at trunkle@gannett.com.
