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For the first time since retaking the White House, President Donald Trump is making his way to the Valley. On Friday, he is scheduled to appear at the “Build the Red Wall” event hosted by Turning Point USA, the Phoenix-based right-wing activist organization founded by Charlie Kirk.
As the event’s name suggests, the appearance is meant to help bolster Republicans’ electoral chances in the upcoming midterm elections. Democrats have a chance to flip both chambers of Congress, including by winning multiple seats currently held by GOP representatives in Arizona. Arizona’s first and fifth congressional districts — held by Rep. David Schweikert, who is running for governor, and Rep. Juan Ciscomani — are considered up for grabs. Arizona’s 2nd Congressional District, held by GOP Rep. Eli Crane, is also thought to be vulnerable to an extent.
Those seats are at risk largely due to Trump’s own actions. His unconstitutional tariffs have helped raise prices for everyday Americans, and the violent crackdown on immigrants by his Immigration and Customs Enforcement has resulted in the deaths of multiple American citizens. On top of that, Trump has broken major campaign promises by starting a war with Iran and slow-walking the release of the Epstein files.
Currently, only 40% of Americans approve of Trump, while 56% disapprove. During the 2024 election, Trump won Arizona by more than five points, and Republicans have historically performed worse when Trump himself is not on the ballot.
That should make the “Build the Red Wall” event an interesting viewing experience. Here’s what you should know about his visit.
Where is Donald Trump’s Phoenix rally?
The event will be hosted by Turning Point USA at the Dream City Church in north Phoenix, located at 13613 N. Cave Creek Road. The facility is a Pentecostal megachurch affiliated with the Assemblies of God USA. Kirk was a member of the church.
The megachurch’s main auditorium seats more than 4,500 people.
When is the Phoenix Donald Trump rally?
The “Build the Red Wall” rally is scheduled for Friday, April 17. Doors will open at 10 a.m., the program will begin at noon and remarks from the main guests are set for 2 p.m.
Who else will be speaking?
While Trump will be the main draw, other right-wing Arizona figures will also speak at the event. This will include Erica Kirk, Kirk’s widow and the current CEO of Turning Point, and Rep. Andy Biggs, who is the MAGA favorite running for Arizona governor. Also listed among the event’s speakers are four Arizona congressmen: Ciscomani, Crane, Abe Hamadeh and Paul Gosar.
Are any tickets left? What should I expect if I go?
Attendees are being asked to register beforehand through a voter registration status form. A physical ticket is not required, but the event is first-come, first-served, so “we recommend arriving on time,” according to the event’s website. Parking is available at the Dream City Church site a few hours before the event starts, but it is limited. Organizers “highly encourage” that attendees carpool or rideshare if possible.
Outside food and drink will not be allowed into the venue, but water and light snacks can be purchased once inside the venue, according to the event’s website. Bags will not be allowed.
Further guidance, including more parking details, on the event will be sent to attendees the night of April 16. Attendees won’t receive confirmation details until the day prior.
Will the event spark any protests?
The groups 50501 Arizona and Mesa Valley Indivisible are organizing a peaceful protest against Trump’s visit to the Valley. Organizers are listing Dream City Church’s address at the meeting point, but added that “we cannot use the Church, it’s private property,” and wrote, “we do not recommend signing up to reserve tickets.”
The protest will begin at the site at 9 a.m. and is expected to last until 3:30 p.m.
