Donald Trump References 1988 Campaign Ad in North Carolina Stop

Myrtle Beach Florence, SC, September 18, 2026 —

Gastonia, NC – During a campaign stop in Gastonia, North Carolina, former President Donald Trump referenced a racially offensive campaign advertisement from 1988. The specific details of the advertisement and the context in which Mr. Trump referenced it were not immediately available.

The 1988 advertisement, which ran during Trump’s father’s presidential campaign, has been widely described as racially charged. The ad targeted minority groups and urged voters to support the elder Trump’s policies. Historically, the advertisement has drawn criticism for its content and alleged intent.

The recent campaign stop in Gastonia was part of Mr. Trump’s ongoing efforts to engage with voters in the state. The reference to the older advertisement during this event has drawn attention and discussion.

Further details regarding the specific remarks made by Mr. Trump at the Gastonia event, including the full extent of his commentary on the 1988 advertisement and the immediate reactions from attendees or campaign officials, were not provided in the summary. The exact nature of the 1988 advertisement’s messaging, beyond being described as racially offensive, was also not detailed.

Story summarized from the original created by COREY WILLIAMS, Associated Press on www.wbtw.com, see more information here.

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