President Donald Trump, after attending his ongoing criminal trial in the politicized prosecution brought by leftist District Attorney Alvin Bragg, made a visit on Tuesday to a Harlem bodega. The store was the site of a contentious self-defense case that sparked widespread debate over the twisted crime policies in New York City. President Trump emphasized his campaign promise to restore order and tackle the city’s violent crime, which has surged under Democratic leadership.
The location, now known locally as the Jose Alba bodega, became a symbol of the city’s crime issues after Alba, a 61-year-old clerk, fatally stabbed a customer, Austin Simon, who attacked him behind the counter in July 2022. Alba was then charged with second-degree murder. The case was dropped only after the public was provided the evidence showing Alba acted in self-defense.
Greeted by chants of “Four more years!” and cheers, Trump praised the resilience of the bodega workers and criticized Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg for his handling of the case. “It’s Alvin Bragg’s fault. Alvin Bragg does nothing. He goes after guys like Trump,” he declared to the supportive crowd. He recapped his trip in a series of posts to his Truth Social account, emphasizing his commitment to “MAKE NEW YORK SAFE AGAIN.”
President Trump visits Harlem Bodega greeted with Trump Cheers & "4 More Years" Chants. pic.twitter.com/Pi00JTYPqh
— Sebastian Gorka DrG (@SebGorka) April 17, 2024
“They’ve destroyed so many people. The African-American community now is not getting jobs. Migrants are taking their jobs that are here illegally. Hispanics are not getting jobs,” Trump said.
The 45th president, leveraging his presence in New York due to the trial, used the opportunity to reiterate his law and order agenda. “We’re going to come in — Number one, you have to stop crime, and we’re going to let the police do their job. They have to be given back their authority. They have to be able to do their job,” he told supporters.
President Trump’s comments on immigration and employment in troubled New York City point to the economic anxieties that are prevalent among working Americans. By attributing job losses in the African-American and Hispanic communities to illegal immigration, Trump sharpens a narrative that aligns with concerns about national identity and economic security, which are central to his campaign.
Trump added: “I respect the bodega association and they respect me. They want law and order, and they have a lot of crime, tremendous crime where their stores are being robbed. The people of New York are not going to take it. That’s why they’re going to vote for Trump.”
“We’re going to give New York a very good shot for the presidency. We think we should be able to do it.”
