Trump brings Mike Tyson on stage at Syracuse rally

President Donald Trump campaigned in Syracuse, New York, for Republican gubernatorial candidate Bruce Blakeman, bringing heavyweight boxer Mike Tyson along on Air Force One. Tyson had visited the White House earlier in the day before joining the trip to the state event.

During the rally, Trump highlighted Tyson's physical presence to the crowd, recalling the boxer's tenure as the world heavyweight champion. "I remember when Mike was in his prime... He'd stand in the corner and his people would all be holding him back. He wanted to kill whoever it was," Trump said, describing Tyson as a "very dangerous person" and "one of the greatest fighters in history." The president then joked that Tyson was serving as Blakeman's personal security detail. "I see him standing right next to Bruce Blakeman. Bruce wants a little protection, he's got the right guy," Trump told the audience.

Tyson took the stage to thank the president for the invitation. The boxer stated that he was happy to be with Trump and emphasized that his presence at the event was made possible by the president. After Tyson left the stage, Trump remarked to the crowd, "I watched him get in the ring many times. He was a scary guy. I think he looks better now than he did 30 years ago."

New York Yankees president Randy Levine also joined the stage during the event. Two days prior, the Yankees were swept in the American League Division Series. Trump acknowledged the postseason loss but joked that it would not matter because Levine "has won so much." Blakeman is running to unseat incumbent Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul, who has held the office since August 2021.

The White House announced on Friday that Trump made the trip to Syracuse before he was originally slated to attend the Alabama-Georgia football game in Tuscaloosa on Saturday. Hurricane Isaias disrupted those plans, forcing a change in the president's schedule.