According to Newsweek, former President Donald Trump faced a mixed reception as he attended the Palmetto Bowl college football game between the University of South Carolina’s Gamecocks and Clemson University’s Tigers in Columbia, South Carolina. The event took place at Williams-Brice Stadium, where Trump was met with both loud boos and cheers from the crowd. The Palmetto Bowl is an annual rivalry football game, and Trump’s presence sparked varied reactions from attendees.
Despite the audible boos as Trump’s black SUV arrived at the stadium, videos posted on social media revealed that the crowd’s response was not entirely hostile. Chants of “We Want Trump” and “USA” echoed through the stadium whenever the former president appeared on the jumbotron. The reception reflected the divisive nature of Trump’s public appearances, showcasing both fervent support and vocal opposition.
South Carolina remains a significant state for Trump, where he secured victory by 12 points over President Joe Biden in the 2020 election. The state holds importance in the early stages of the presidential primary, and Trump has maintained a commanding lead in polls over potential Republican rivals, including former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley.
Governor Henry McMaster, who succeeded Haley after Trump appointed her U.S. ambassador to the United Nations in 2017, invited Trump to watch the Palmetto Bowl. Haley, a Clemson alumna and trustee, did not attend the annual football game, according to local media reports.
The event underscored the ongoing impact of Trump’s political influence and the varying sentiments his presence evokes among the public. The former president’s visit to South Carolina coincided with potential updates in his criminal and civil trials, adding another layer to the evolving dynamics of his potential 2024 presidential campaign.
You can hear the boo's and explicit welcome Trump received as his SUV arrived at Williams-Brice for the Palmetto Bowl. https://t.co/unsa6As8ny
— Cody Alcorn (@CodyAlcorn) November 26, 2023
