Trump rallies for GOP Senate candidate in North Carolina amid ad spending halt

President Donald Trump held a rally in Greenville, North Carolina, to support Republican Michael Whatley in his Senate race against Democrat Roy Cooper, reported kfyi.iheart.com and 1190talkradio.iheart.com. Trump criticized Cooper's crime policies and endorsed Whatley, praising his dedication to the state.

Trump promised $5,000 to every adult citizen if Republicans win control of both the House and Senate, a pledge he has made previously, according to kfyi.iheart.com. He also linked the election outcome to pending lawsuits by Marines affected by contaminated water at Camp Lejeune, stating that a Republican win would lead to settlements by the Department of Justice.

Despite Trump's endorsement, Whatley is trailing Cooper in most polls, and national Republican groups have pulled advertising funds from Whatley's campaign to support other candidates, NPR Politics reported. The race is rated as "Likely Democrat" by NBC News.

The rally attracted about 1,500 attendees, with protesters interrupting the event and two being escorted out, as noted by kfyi.iheart.com. Trump alleged the protesters were paid and insulted one of them. This visit follows a similar rally by Vice President JD Vance in Hendersonville a day earlier.

Trump's visit is part of a broader effort to boost Republican candidates in North Carolina ahead of the November 3 midterm elections. NPR Politics also noted that Republicans have stopped spending money on air ads for their Senate candidate in the state.