‘Team Trump Bus’ stop at Penn State frat in State College called off. Here’s why
A Penn State fraternity in State College will no longer host a political rally Tuesday for Republican presidential nominee and former President Donald Trump, a spokesperson for the frat wrote in an email to the Centre Daily Times.
The “Team Trump” bus tour had planned to host its rally about 3:45 p.m. Tuesday at Acacia Fraternity, 234 Locust Lane. It will instead be held at Medlar Field, the Trump campaign announced Monday night.
Acacia is not appropriately staffed to meet either the security or logistical requirements for the visit, spokesman Benjamin Turconi wrote in an email.
Abel Maldonado, former lieutenant governor of California; Kash Patel, former Defense Department chief of staff under Trump; and Monica Crowley, former assistant secretary of the Treasury for public affairs were scheduled to speak.
Turconi also wrote the frat “supports freedom of speech and political discourse and is grateful a presidential campaign would want to visit.”
“Acacia Fraternity is a non-partisan organization dedicated to fostering personal development, leadership, and brotherhood among our members. As an international fraternity, Acacia does not endorse, support, or align with any political party, candidate, or ideology,” Turconi wrote. “The Fraternity’s focus remains on creating an environment where individuals of all backgrounds and beliefs feel welcome and respected.”
On Monday night, the Trump campaign updated details of the State College event, with the location now listed at Medlar Field. Those interested in attending can register online.
The originally announced speakers are listed as part of the Medlar Field event, along with Slippery Rock Mayor JD Longo, former ambassador Carla Sands and former Trump adviser David Bossie. It’s set to start at 3:45 p.m. Tuesday.
A message was left Monday afternoon with a Trump campaign spokesman.
The past few days have been busy for political activity in State College. Last Thursday, former Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy spoke on Penn State’s campus and Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez spoke to students at The State Theatre on Friday as part of a Students for Harris event.
And on Sunday, five swing state governors, including Pennsylvania’s Josh Shapiro, stopped in State College as part of the Kamala Harris-Tim Walz campaign’s “Driving Forward Blue Wall Bus Tour.” Still, neither of the presidential candidates nor their running mates have made stops in Centre County.
Monday is the final day to register to vote in Pennsylvania. Registration can be done online, in-person at local election offices or at Centre County’s satellite elections office on Penn State’s campus.
Election Day is Nov. 5.
This story was originally published October 21, 2024 at 12:26 PM.
