In a unique twist at a town hall in Oaks, Pennsylvania, former President Donald Trump shifted gears from policy discussions to a spontaneous music session, showcasing his rally playlist in front of an intrigued audience. Moderated by South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem, the event began with questions from preselected attendees, covering topics like housing affordability and support for small businesses.
However, the night took an unexpected turn when two attendees required medical attention, prompting Trump to break away from the question-and-answer format.
After briefly checking on the fainting attendees and humorously asking the crowd if anyone else wanted to “faint,” Trump decided to forego more questions.
“Let’s just listen to music,” he announced, saying, “Who the hell wants to hear questions, right?” What followed was 39 minutes of Trump swaying and dancing to nine tracks from his curated playlist, turning the political event into a casual music session.
Trump’s musical choices included classics like James Brown’s “It’s a Man’s Man’s Man’s World” and Sinéad O’Connor’s “Nothing Compares 2 U.” He occasionally paused to address the audience, reminiscing about his playlist selections and exchanging handshakes with people onstage.
Throughout the session, Noem stood beside him, nodding along as Trump swayed and mouthed lyrics.
Trump’s decision to replace the Q&A with music was unusual, especially with the election just 22 days away. While some attendees began to leave, others stayed to capture the spectacle on their phones.
Campaign spokesperson Steven Cheung later tweeted, describing the event as a “total lovefest” and noting the crowd’s enthusiasm.
Trump’s playlist has long been a central feature of his rallies, even stirring controversy with some artists, like Celine Dion, who have requested that he stop using their music.
Nonetheless, his personal attachment to these songs was on full display as he danced to the tunes, such as the Village People’s “YMCA” and Elvis Presley’s “An American Trilogy.”
The session took a softer turn when Trump dedicated Andrea Bocelli’s “Time to Say Goodbye” and “Ave Maria” to those who had fallen ill earlier in the evening.
He acknowledged the significance of the upcoming election, calling it “the most important election in the history of our country,” before quickly returning to his playlist.
While some viewed the change in format as a light-hearted moment, Vice President Kamala Harris has criticized Trump’s mental stability and questioned his focus on policy issues. Despite these criticisms, Trump’s team has defended his unique approach to rallies, emphasizing that his supporters appreciate the personal touch he brings through his playlist.
As the night continued, Trump’s playlist spanned diverse genres, ending with Rufus Wainwright’s rendition of “Hallelujah,” Guns N’ Roses’ “November Rain,” and “Memory” from the musical Cats.
Trump left the stage as the music played, greeting attendees on his way out, signaling an end to an event that, while billed as a town hall, ultimately became a showcase of his favorite songs.
This approach highlights Trump’s unconventional style on the campaign trail, where he often blurs the lines between traditional political discourse and entertainment.
For many attendees, it was a memorable and unexpected way to connect with the former president, underscoring how his campaign events frequently combine politics with showmanship.
