The controversy surrounding President Trump’s upcoming rally in Albuquerque exposes New Mexico’s state leadership selectively blocking access to public spaces, sparking heated allegations of partisanship. Scheduled for Thursday at CSI Aviation, the rally faced logistical challenges when far-left Democrat New Mexico Commissioner of Public Lands Stephanie Garcia Richard rejected the Trump campaign’s plan to use the Isleta Amphitheater’s parking lot.
After the Trump campaign coordinated with Live Nation to set up a parking and shuttle system, the state abruptly reversed course, blocking the use of the state-owned lot. This move is irrefutably politically motivated and, at its core, an infringement on democratic principles.
Garcia Richard deflected blame onto Live Nation, saying, “Their [Live Nation] contract is for the amphitheater…this is not of my creation.” However, her justification rings hollow to critics who believe the restriction stems from political bias rather than contractual constraints.
State Rep. Jim Townsend (R-Artesia) openly questioned the motives, remarking to KRQE 13, “This just doesn’t pass the smell test…This is clearly a political process.” Townsend pointed to prior exceptions for non-concert events, such as a church gathering, suggesting the state’s reasoning is inconsistent and selectively applied.
The dispute took on new weight when the Republican Party of New Mexico issued a public statement denouncing Garcia Richard’s decision as “sheer, naked, bitter partisanship.” Their outcry reflects growing frustration with state leadership they accuse of abusing authority to hinder Republican events, particularly with a high-profile candidate like Trump.
Further deepening the controversy, Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller’s administration allegedly blocked the Trump campaign from securing the Albuquerque Convention Center, initially citing “major sewage repairs” as the reason. However, Councilor Dan Lewis, another vocal critic of this blockade, condemned the action, seeing it as an attempt to thwart a major event that some in the city leadership oppose ideologically. In response, Mayor Keller’s office rebuked Lewis, alleging his statements were false and accusing him of trying to politicize operational decisions.
Critics argue that Garcia Richard’s stance against the Trump rally goes beyond logistics, pointing to the timing and lack of precedent for such refusals as evidence of political interference. They view this as a calculated obstruction, wielding state power to stymie opposition voices. Given the state’s duty to ensure fair use of public resources, selectively obstructing the Trump rally reveals a troubling tendency among New Mexico officials to put political motives above democratic principles.
As the Trump campaign shuffles to find alternative parking solutions for the rally attendees, this incident raises broader questions about politicizing public resources. By placing obstacles in the path of only one political campaign, Garcia Richard and the administration she represents seem to be engaging in exactly the kind of partisan favoritism that they claim to be avoiding.
The Republican Party of New Mexico is urging citizens to call Garcia Richards’ office to ask her to stop her political sabotage and to stop trying to attack democracy:
Politics in New Mexico is dirty business. It always has been. In my opinion, NM is still the wild west to a greater degree than even Tx. Yup, I said it.
The city/state is trying to block parking for Trump supporters who would like to attend a Trump rally scheduled for 10/31/24. Granted the rally was rather last minute, this is still a feasible allowance. It does not take long to draft a letter of agreement or a contract for all of the details, get it signed and move forward. This is the modern age after all.
New Mexico would rather hide the truth of the massive failures of the Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham and Mayor Tim Keller. This has potential to be a massive cash cow for Albuquerque, but the Mayor would rather play games. Another sad day for Albuquerque.
Mount up New Mexico and show MLG and Keller who actually runs the state. WE THE PEOPLE!
Enough games Michelle and Tim. This is too far!!
Rev. Rico
This politician has blocked the number. Now it is always busy. Typical New Mexico.
I am not surprised. I did leave a message yesterday, apparently before they turned off the line. LOL
Isn’t it rather ironic that MLG, the State, Keller and the City are locking down Albuquerque much quicker than they are the Southern Border and the flow of Cartel Traffic in the Metro? Who is the real enemy of the people in this scenario?
the real enemy is within… MLG and her comrades and they do not care of how many illegals cross into our state. their true colors are showing. Pure evil as far as I am concerned. I hope that the rally can take place and that people who have no voted will vote all Democraps who are up for re-election be voted out of office!
The parking lot is a dirt/gravel open space that will not be used for any other purpose at the time. It is obviously a political decision not to allow the Trump campaign to use it. But complaining won’t make any difference. The Democrats do what they want in NM because (other than a portion of southern NM) they hold the majority at every level of State, County and Local government. Their blind followers vote blue like mice following the piper.
Should reroute to Deming… The county commission here is at least GOP…
Plenty of open space at the golf course… the green pond park… the courthouse park…
I could not have said it any better than you. You are so right.
Eastern New Mexico is solidly Red. But we have so few people who live here that it’s hard for us to make a difference. Trump could find lots of places in eastern New Mexico to hold a rally but to get a crowd people would have to drive for 4 hours to get here from populated areas like Albuquerque.
Fire the trash !
Recall that these communofascists are the party of violence – a little paper pushing to hinder a candidate is the least they are up to.
A vote for Harris et al is a vote for the party of murder and oppression. How many assassination attempts have there been on Trump? How many false allegations?
If that’s how they treat a former president/presidential candidate, how do you think they’ll treat the average conservative?
You are so right on this one. They will do whatever they can to stop President Trump. I pray for his safety and that the Lord watch over him and his family from the evil doers who try to stop him. They are so afraid that their corruption will be exposed. Well we already know how corrupt they are.
I hope the rally goes as planned and is successful despite the far left trying to stop it.
These traitors have be thrown out of office ! enough New Mexico of the trash politics having the upper hand with their corrupt communist agenda.
Why do so many people vote for democrats that go out of their way to abuse the powers they are given. If you keep voting for those politicians that keep New Mexico last in the USA in so many categories, how can you expect things to get better. Prove to the Democrats that they can not keep you under their thumbs and vote Republican for a positive change.
You are so right. I always think that they just are so brainwashed by watching the fake news they do not know how to think for themselves.
another DemonRat at work. She is disgusting. We need a major overhaul of this state and I am ashamed to call it home. Been here since I was 6 years old.
These creepy peeps from MLG many minions will not stop Donald from showing up. Come on people let’s put out heads together and think of an acceptable solution for his rally. Let’s show the left/dems that they are nothing but Losers. the people that support Trump are not garbage, but want to make America great again, and again and again.
They won’t stop us!!! But it is good to make a huge fuss far, wide and loud and get THEM to cave in this round…
Peace,
Rev. Rico
I agree with this comment. We are so blessed to have him come to New Mexico. I pray thousands of people go and support President Trump. He is a man that loves the American People and the United States of America. I voted for him not for his personality and rederick. But because he is who we need in the White House to bring us back where we belong. Standing up for the Constitution and the rights of the people. He stands up against people who want our rights and freedoms taken from us. USA belongs to the American people! Not the government!
I’ve given this a little thought. It seems as though the land commissioner is negligent in her duties of maximizing income to the state. If there is a republican lawyer, maybe he or she can look into this negligence and sue her personally and the SLO on behalf of the citizens of NM. Worth a try!!!
I like this idea, Travis! They need to be held accountable somehow, and this seems the most logical.
They will not succeed in stopping President coming to Albuquerque, the rally is being held at CSI aviation, Inc. SW.
Take that you ignorant and corrupt Democraps and go pound sand.
State owned land; parking lot; belongs to the people not to the nerds.
Seems as though they’ve disconnected the phones. Or maybe I just can’t get through to them. Keep calling!
Maybe Gutfeld on Fox can highlight what is happening. A little negative publicity might be good for ensuring Garcia is a one termer.
The last time Trump was in NM, his rally was held in Rio Rancho, and as I recall, quite successful. Plenty of space for parking and a much more friendly, Republican leaning area. The only problem I forsee
is he would have to get from the Sunport to Rio Rancho which will take
up some time and I’ve heard he has another rally scheduled in NV at 3:30 pm Thursday.
Maybe I would be sympathetic if DJT paid for his last campaign visit. I think with interest it is close to $500k now.
Guignol. I bet if they fixed the bill “honestly” it would be paid. There’s a lot of shenanigans in the bill. In other words Mayor bucked it up. Naa I wouldn’t pay it either.
The communists in power in NM are just trying to place stumbling blocks on president Trump so that New Mexicans won’t hear anything else but the lies and fake promises the communists have to offer. They want to keep the public ignorant and stay in power even though their cumulative records are miserable and keep NM last in everything good. Dirty politics is as New Mexican as green chile! Brains and intelligence is no requirement for public office ,only loyalty to the “party “ the new Bolshevik’s require !
I live to far South to make the rally, but if I was there I would do my best to muster as many drivers after the rally to parade down Central, or the Interstate, with horns ablazing……What a sight it would be!!!