Trump Rallies Nassau County Crowd for Blakeman in New York Governor Race

Trump endorses Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman for governor, calling him the best in state history at a Long Island rally.

First Published: August 14, 2026, 1:49 PM ET

WASHINGTON D.C. — Donald Trump endorsed Bruce Blakeman for Governor of New York at a Rally in Nassau County, declaring the county executive would be the best governor in state history if elected.

Trump spoke for more than an hour at the David S. Mack Center in Uniondale, praising law enforcement and fellow Republicans on the November ballot, according to newsday. The rally drew a slate of state Republican officials and congressional candidates who joined Trump on stage. “Nowhere is the Communist attack on American society more clear than here in New York State,” Trump said of the contest between Blakeman and Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul, according to newsday. He told Blakeman that if he lost the race, “you’re gonna be ashamed.”

Here is the full post on truthsocial: “Just left a Rally in Nassau County in honor of Bruce Blakeman, who is running for Governor of New York. The crowd went WILD. Something very interesting is happening in New York State! He is a great person, a great politician and, if elected, will be the best Governor in the History of New York! Trump” on August 14, 2026 at 5:37 PM ET.

This is Trump’s 13th message released today, and the last post was 2 minutes ago, and it is not part of a thread. On average, Trump produces 18 posts per day since his inauguration on January 20, 2025. The move fits a broader pattern in Trump’s recent messaging, with 159 of his 506 posts over the last 30 days classified as Elections posts.

Blakeman, who serves as the Nassau County Executive, seeks to challenge Democratic leadership in the state, according to newsday. The rally underscored Republican efforts to mobilize voters and capture executive office in a state long controlled by Democrats. Trump invited Blakeman to the stage, where the county executive praised the president for his immigration policies.

“Listen, we are so honored to have President Trump join with us here today,” Blakeman said, according to newsday. “Thank you Mr. President for sealing our borders.”

The stakes reach beyond the governor’s mansion, as national Republicans hope to flip New York’s third and fourth congressional district seats. Trump stumped for GOP congressional candidates and brought them on stage, and he shouted out former Senator Alfonse D’Amato and former Congressman Peter King, according to newsday. Long Island’s battleground districts drew close attention as Trump looked to keep control of the U.S. House.

Trump also turned to global politics during the speech, vowing to declare the Strait of Hormuz a territory of the United States. “After we finish defeating Iran, which is being very badly defeated, pretty soon I’ll be declaring the Hormuz Strait a territory of the United States,” the president said, according to cbsnews. Iranian and Omani territorial waters split the waterway at its narrowest point, though it has traditionally served as an open passage, according to cbsnews.

The next decision rests with New York voters, who go to the polls in November 2026 to choose between Blakeman and Hochul. A precise date for the general election did not appear in the rally coverage.

Assembly Place Holdings Ltd.member Michaelle Solages called the event “a campaign rally on taxpayer dollars” and one “that wasn’t based in reality,” according to newsday. “They are concerned about the prices of energy, groceries, gas prices, and none of that was addressed,” Solages told NewsdayTV, framing the day’s economic backdrop against Trump’s stump speech.