CHARLOTTE — Joking that he likes to visit states ahead of major party contests to "troll," President Donald Trump addressed a sold-out Bojangles' Coliseum and thousands of supporters who had to watch the speech outside.
[ President Trump rallies in Charlotte ahead of Super Tuesday ]
"This state is home to some of the strongest people, incredible patriots," Trump said. "Ladies and gentlemen of North Carolina, the best is yet to come."
Trump spent a significant part of the night critiquing and criticizing his Democratic rivals. He questioned Joe Biden's memory, attacked Bernie Sanders' policies, called Mike Bloomberg's debate performance "the worst in history of presidential contests" and said Elizabeth Warren's candidacy never caught on.
Addressing Pete Buttigieg and Amy Klobuchar's endorsements of Joe Biden, Trump pondered if they were offered a deal for their support.
"They both supported Sleepy Joe, you know why? They made a deal," he said. "Quid pro quo."
Trump briefly addressed the spread of coronavirus and said pharmaceutical companies will have vaccines for it "relatively soon." He also said he told pharmaceutical companies they need to be better on the flu vaccine.
Monday was Trump’s second visit to Charlotte in less than a month. Trump 2020 Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany said the Carolinas can expect more visits from him between now and November. The 2020 Republican National Convention is also being held in Charlotte.
This browser does not support the video element.
>> Reading this story in our app? The new "Follow the Lead" feature allows you to tap the blue tag indicated with a '+' to subscribe to alerts on the very latest breaking news updates.
Read more top trending stories on wsoctv.com:
Crowds form outside Bojangles Coliseum ahead of President Trump’s visit
Coronavirus live updates: Global death toll tops 3,000
Inmate convicted in Mecklenburg County killed in prison fight, officials say
FORECAST: Rainy start to workweek before temps gradually climb