Heat-related illnesses surge at Trump rallies as extreme weather intensifies

More than 78 attendees at Donald Trump’s rallies have been hospitalized due to heat-related illnesses in recent months, highlighting the dangers of extreme heat at outdoor campaign events.

Maxine Joselow reports for The Washington Post.

In short:

• Trump's rallies have seen a rise in heat-related hospitalizations, with over 78 cases in the past three months.
• Both Trump and Harris campaigns provide water and medical assistance, but they hold opposing views on climate policy.
• Extreme heat, exacerbated by climate change, poses increasing risks to outdoor events, particularly in swing states.

Key quote:

“I’m up here sweating like a dog. This is hard work.”

— Donald Trump, former U.S. president

Why this matters:

Rising temperatures, fueled by climate change, are endangering public events, making it critical to address climate policy. Outdoor rallies in swing states, crucial to presidential campaigns, are increasingly impacted by these hazardous conditions.

Related EHN coverage:

• How youth can battle extreme heat in their communities
• Op-ed: We are undercounting heat-related deaths in the US
• Op-ed: How climate change harms pregnant people and their babies