MEAWW.COM / NEWS / POLITICS

The Two Realities of Donald Trump: Conflicting videos of Trump at the Palmetto Bowl highlight Great American Rift

Trump received both cheers and some boos as he joined Governor McMaster on the field at halftime during the football game in Columbia

COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA: The Internet was divided as former President Donald Trump made a high-profile appearance at the annual Palmetto Bowl in South Carolina on Saturday, November 25.

The much-anticipated football game between the University of South Carolina and Clemson University took place in the state capital of Columbia, drawing attention as Trump continues to campaign in the key early-nominating state ahead of the Republican presidential primary.

Governor McMaster welcomes Trump to Palmetto Bowl

Governor Henry McMaster, a University of South Carolina alumnus and a Trump endorser, had extended a "standing invitation" for the former president to attend the game.

Trump, watching from a box, later joined McMaster on the field at halftime, standing briefly on the 50-yard line and waving to the crowd, receiving both cheers and some boos. Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, also a Trump supporter, was present at the event.

Digital billboards in Columbia greeted Trump's visit with provocative messages, reading, "You lost. You're guilty. Welcome to Columbia, Donald." Attorney Jay Bender claimed responsibility for these billboards, labeling them as "sponsored by the league of radical leftist vermin - Jay Bender Instigator."

Ahead of the game, Trump had announced his plans on Truth Social, stating, "Getting ready to leave for the Great State of South Carolina, to attend the Palmetto Bowl. Will be a terrific game. See you all later!"

Social media divide: Cheers and jeers for Trump

The internet's response to Trump's presence at the event was divided, with some praising Trump's popularity and others reveling in what they perceived as a lack of support.

Many celebrated his attendance, sharing videos of the enthusiastic crowd.

"How are they going to stop him this time?" one posted on X (formerly Twitter).

"Can someone show a crowd as enthusiastic in front of Biden?" another wrote.

"The blatant political persecution has had the opposite effect," someone else added.

"The most beloved President in my lifetime," another chimed in.

Some, however, highlighted moments of boos captured in different clips.

"HAHAHAHA: Donald Trump was badly booed as he pulled up to the stadium for the Clemson-SC football game tonight. This is brutal for Trump. Nobody wants Donald Trump the traitor to be back in office again," one wrote.

"He's getting booed relentlessly. Love it!" another added.

"It seems South Carolina isn't that red after all. Good for those who booed him," a comment read.

"Dammit hopefully he has a safe space to run to not sure how he’ll ever survive!" another quipped.

Trump's stronghold in South Carolina

In terms of the GOP nomination race, Trump maintains a substantial lead over primary rivals in South Carolina, according to a recent CNN poll. Former Governor Nikki Haley, considered his strongest challenger, trails as a distant second.

South Carolina plays a crucial role in the Republican nominating calendar, with its primary scheduled for February 24, following Iowa, New Hampshire, and Nevada. Trump's victory in the state's 2016 primary was pivotal to his eventual nomination.

Besides McMaster, Trump enjoys support from key South Carolina Republicans, including Senator Graham, Lt Gov Pamela Evette, and US Reps Joe Wilson, William Timmons, and Russell Fry.

Earlier on the same day, Trump took to Truth Social to criticize the hostage deal between Israel and Hamas, asserting that no Americans had been released because there was “no respect for our country or our leadership.” The White House, however, remains “hopeful” for the release of three American citizens in the coming days.

Trump's comments on the hostage situation followed a separate post where he claimed that Hamas sought a better deal for hostages and voiced his skepticism about the resolution of the situation. “Hamas now wants a better deal for hostages. This is not going to end well!” he posted.

The Palmetto Bowl appearance was not Trump's first at a football game during this campaign cycle. In September, he attended a matchup between Iowa State University and the University of Iowa, engaging in pre-game festivities. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, a fellow GOP nominee contender, was also present at that game in Ames, Iowa, CNN reported.