Trump Brings His Campaign to Winthrop University

ROCK HILL, SC — It’s a big day on Winthrop University Campus Friday. Leading Republican candidate Donald Trump is in town for a rally. While many are excited to see the controversial candidate, others are preparing for protest.

“We’re all pretty excited. Trump obviously is a dominating figure in Republican race, so we are more than happy to have him here,” said Winthrop College Republicans VP Tyler Griffin.

If you talk to Winthrop College Republicans, they can’t wait to cheer on Donald Trump at the campus coliseum. But for others, the feeling isn’t mutual.

“He’s just hateful and doesn’t have much solid things to say,” said Winthrop Junior Charley Hickey.

About 6,000 people are expected to make it a full house for Trump’s visit, but some seats will sit empty as a form of silent protest.

“I reserved my ticket, but I won’t be going. There’s a big amount of protest for that; multiple schools have done that,” said Griffin.

Winthrop VP of University Relations Dr. Jeff Perez says he knows others will show up in not-so-silent protest, so they are prepared.

“We have the athletic department who runs the coliseum, we’ve got facilities, we have information technology and of course campus security that’s working very closely with the Rock Hill police department,” said Dr Jeff Perez.

Trump is the 9th presidential candidate to come to Winthrop.

Winthrop Professor Clara Paulino says the exposure is great for the school, but she plans to skip the big event.

“I am not going to be going to the rally. I am not interested. I understand the message of the candidate, and that’s all I need to know,” said Professor Paulino.

York County GOP Chair Wes Climer says Trump’s visit shows the importance that South Carolina plays in this primary.

“So far we’ve hosted nearly every single one of the Republican candidates. It’s been a goal of ours to give our activists, our members an opportunity to hear from each of the candidates,” said York County GOP Chair Wes Climer.