Madison Square Garden: A Venue of Historical Political Significance

Madison Square Garden, the iconic venue where Donald J. Trump and his running mate, JD Vance, are set to hold a fund-raiser and rally this Sunday, has a rich and complex history of political events. Throughout the decades, it has hosted a variety of gatherings, some marked by peaceful discourse and others by chaos and controversy.

Among its notable events, the Garden is remembered for a momentous performance in May 1962 when Marilyn Monroe sang “Happy Birthday, Mr. President” to a then-45-year-old John F. Kennedy. Monroe’s dress was so sheer that it captivated the audience, making the occasion unforgettable. The venue also played host to Bill Clinton, who celebrated his acceptance speech at the 1992 Democratic National Convention by introducing Fleetwood Mac’s anthem “Don’t Stop.”

Back in 1936, President Franklin D. Roosevelt delivered one of his most significant speeches at Madison Square Garden, marking a pivotal shift towards more aggressive campaigning. In a powerful address, he denounced his adversaries in the banking and military sectors as “enemies of peace,” echoing sentiments that resonate in today’s political climate. Roosevelt famously stated, “Never before in all our history have these forces been so united against one candidate as they stand today. They are unanimous in their hate for me — and I welcome their hatred.”

However, much of the commentary surrounding the upcoming rally is likely to draw parallels to a darker chapter in the venue’s history. In 1939, over 20,000 individuals, many adorned with Nazi armbands, congregated at the Garden for a “Pro America Rally” in support of Adolf Hitler. This event took place during a contentious period in the United States, where the venue was situated at its third location on 50th Street and Eighth Avenue.

This February 20, 1939, file photo captures New York City’s mounted police forming a protective line outside Madison Square Garden, tasked with containing a crowd of protesters opposing the pro-Hitler rally. Credit: Associated Press

As the rally approaches, it is noteworthy that Mr. Trump’s event comes shortly after John F. Kelly, his former chief of staff, characterized the ex-president as fitting the definition of a fascist. In response, Mr. Trump took to his Truth Social platform, labeling Mr. Kelly a “total degenerate” and “LOWLIFE.”