President Donald Trump arrives to speak at Rockland Community College, Friday, May 22, 2026, in Suffern, N.Y. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) (Image: AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
President Donald Trump rounded on a protestor who disrupted his rally in Rockland County, firing back with, “Go home to mom,” before warning others they could get “whacked.”
The demonstrator interrupted while the president appeared to be criticising transgender athletes.
Although it remains unclear precisely what the heckler shouted, Trump responded without hesitation, dismissing them with a wave of his hand, The US Mirror reports.
“Ahh, go home to mom,” he shot back, as a wave of supporters erupted into chants of “USA.
“Take him home to mommy.” As the protestor was escorted out, Trump called out, “Don’t hurt him! Don’t hurt him! I do that for legal reasons…Now I can say ‘I’m innocent.'”
SUFFERN, NEW YORK – MAY 22: U.S. President Donald Trump delivers remarks during a campaign and economic policy event in the Eugene Levy Fieldhouse at SUNY Rockland Community College on May 22, 2026 in Suffern, New York. Trump traveled to the Hudson Valley to help bolster the campaign of Rep. Mike Lawler (R-NY) as he seeks reelection in what is expected to be one of the nation’s most closely watched House races this November. (Photo by Roberto Schmidt/Getty Images) (Image: Getty Images)
Read more: Trump opens up on request to doctor before cognitive test
Read more: Trump shares key message about Donald Trump Jr’s wedding
At another point, Trump sought to deter future disruptions at his rallies, insisting it was dangerous, adding “I like things that aren’t dangerous. I don’t like to see people get whacked,” despite his contentious legislation that aims to compensate MAGA rioters who attacked Capitol police on Jan. 6, 2021.
The outburst appeared to be sparked by Trump’s comments regarding transgender athletes. The president recounted a story he claimed to have heard from a female athlete describing a competitor at a sporting event, according to the Irish Star.
“She looks to her right, and she sees six people,” Trump said. “She knows five of them, but there’s a person on her right who’s gigantic.
Law enforcement officers remove a protester as President Donald Trump speaks during a Fighting For American Workers event, Friday, May 22, 2026, in Suffern, N.Y. (AP Photo/Ryan Murphy) (Image: AP Photo/Ryan Murphy)
“She’s looking up at him. Her, excuse me,” he continued. “That could be the end of my political career.” Trump hit the campaign trail in support of Mike Lawler, a Republican congressman battling for re-election in what is expected to be a fiercely fought midterm contest as Republicans seek to retain their majority.
Rep. Mike Lawler and two fellow Republicans are defending seats in districts that Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris won in 2024.
Lawler has traditionally positioned himself closely with Trump, distinguishing him from more centrist Republicans in politically marginal districts. The first-term congressman is confident that the president’s backing will galvanise Republican voters in his district, situated in the suburbs north of New York City.
When Lawler was openly weighing up a gubernatorial bid in New York last year, Trump formally endorsed him for re-election. Political commentators viewed the endorsement as a tactical manoeuvre to ensure Lawler remained focused on holding the competitive House seat.
President Donald Trump speaks during a Fighting For American Workers event, Friday, May 22, 2026, in Suffern, N.Y. (AP Photo/Ryan Murphy) (Image: AP Photo/Ryan Murphy)
The visit also coincides with the White House’s effort to highlight Trump’s economic record as public confidence about the economy diminishes. Despite obstacles, including petrol prices, Lawler maintained that the president has much to celebrate.
“Number one, the stock market continues to reach record highs, which obviously impacts people’s 401(k)s and retirement accounts. Two, from a housing standpoint, we’ve been able to bring down interest rates on mortgages,” Lawler said.