There was everything you would expect at Freedom Fest – pro-Trump flags, Make America Great Again hats and memorabilia, and a speaking list that included former President Donald Trump’s sons Eric and Don Jr.
One large flag read “Trump Won Save America,” referencing the debunked claim that President Joe Biden stole the 2020 election from Trump.
Kids bounced in a bouncy house, and fest-goers lined up at the numerous food trucks.
Former attorney turned gubernatorial candidate Eric Deters held the second iteration of Freedom Fest on Sept. 10 at his farm in Morningview. Last year, he said there were 8,000 attendants; this year, he said there were more than 15,000 attendees, based on cars counted.
It was the largest political rally in NKY for at least the last 50 years, Deters said.
In addition to the Trumps, the list of headlining speakers included Kimberly Guilfoyle, Candace Owens, and Seth Dillon, the president of the Babylon Bee, a conservative Christian news satire website. Numerous other speakers took the stage throughout the day — notably Dr. Douglas Frank, a Trump ally and frequent speaker about election fraud.
Deters brought in prominent national Republican speakers for the event, which he said he plans to expand this year to 10 locations throughout Kentucky.
The next event is planned for Oct. 6 in Pikeville, featuring Newt Gingrich and Dinesh D’Souza, followed by one in Jefferson County on Oct. 20 with former Wisconsin Sheriff David Clarke.
While the event serves as a way to remember and celebrate 9/11, it’s also a campaign opportunity.
Deters’ speech took about 15 minutes, though he was slated to speak for 45. His time slot also included a video with shots of Kentucky and some of the things born or created here – Abraham Lincoln, Muhammed Ali, the Kentucky Derby, Post-It Notes, and Jif Peanut Butter.
But what does Kentucky need, Deters asked the crowd rhetorically.
“Kentucky needs less government and more freedom,” Deters said in the video. “We need less regulation and a complete tax system overhaul.”
Deters’ served as emcee for the event, taking time to talk about causes near and dear to the conservative heart – freedom, guns, mainstream media, and the 2020 election.
Deters dug into his relationship with Trump, which he said is important to him even though the former president endorsed Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron in the Kentucky gubernatorial race.
“I have never abandoned our President Donald Trump,” Deters said when introducing his son Eric. “I admit I was mad for about 24-48 hours after (the) endorsement, but that’s it.”
Trump Sr. and Deters met at the Kentucky Derby, where Deters paid $75,000 to be in the same room with the former president.
“Bottom line is I’ve decided I’m so part of MAGA and America and fighting for America and Bulldog nation with you,” Deters said. “I’m Trump today, Trump tomorrow, Trump forever.”
But a lawsuit recently filed by former Trump adviser Corey Lewandowski against Deters claims that Deters’ behavior at the Derby led Lewandowski to shirk his responsibilities as Deters’ campaign adviser.
“Mr. Lewandowski informed Deters that Deters’ behavior at the Derby event, and his comments to the media that followed it, would likely be seen as being disloyal to former President Trump,” the lawsuit says.
Trump famously cast aside Lewandowski, and Deters told LINK nky in August that he did the same.
“Corey Lewandowski is a fraud,” Deters said. “He sells himself as a Trump confidant. He’s not. In addition, he never did one single thing to help my campaign. Not one. In fact, all of his advise [sic] was wrong. There is a reason everyone fires him.”
If there was any animosity, it wasn’t apparent, and Deters and the Trump sons seemed to have bridged the gap — if there even was one.
Don Jr. wrapped up the night, followed by Vito’s fireworks and a screening of 2000 Mules, a film that alleges widespread voter fraud in the 2020 election.
“It’s time to push back, it’s time to say enough is enough, it’s time,” Don. Jr. said. “It’s not racist, or misogynistic or homophobic to put America first.”