MARION, IL (WSIL) -- Donald Trump Jr. was invited by the Williamson County Republican Party to attend the Ronald Reagan Tribute Gala today.
The former president's son was the keynote speaker where he urged locals to rally support around Republican leaders and vote for the GOP this November.
Several Republican candidates were in attendance including Darren Bailey for Illinois Governor, Jeff Diederich for Williamson County Sheriff, and Jim Rasor for Williamson County Commissioner.
U.S. Congressman Mike Bost and Illinois State Senator Dale Fowler were also there.
Trump compared his thoughts on his father's time in office to President Biden's administration.
"Just how fragile a booming economy can be," he said to the crowd. "Just how fragile our jobs can be. Just how fragile our freedoms are. If you've been paying attention, all of those things are on the line."Â
Trump went on to talk about the raid at Mar-A-Lago. He says the federal agents, who carried out the search warrant, are usually assigned to more dangerous missions. Trump added that Democrats have weaponized law enforcement agencies against their political enemies.
Meanwhile, local Democrats are pointing to how President Biden and Illinois Governor JB Pritzker have invested in the region.
Chair of the Williamson County Democratic Party Brandi Bradley issued a statement on Trump Jr's arrival to Marion, stating:
“While the Williamson County Republicans have paid the Trump Family to visit Marion, Governor Pritzker and President Biden have invested millions into our communities in Williamson County.Â
With their commitment to Williamson County we now have the Walker’s Bluff Casino, $2.6 million in Creal Springs Sewer Upgrade to support the new meat processing facility, $10 million to SIH Cancer Institute Expansion, $4.2 million at JALC Career and Technical Education, $3.1 million to the Watermark Auto Group Foundation to renovate the Citadel Building, IDOT ITEP grant of $1.6 million to the Transportation enhancements around the square in the City of Marion, $1 million to City of Marion through a Community Development Block Grant to support ReaderLink, $4 million for the Crab Orchard Greenway, a new upgraded Lift Station in the City of Marion, over $67 million in the I57 Expansion, and many others.
It’s these types of investments that help Williamson County grow and what attracts businesses to ¾ÅÓÎÌåÓý Illinois. With the passage of Governor Pritzker’s Rebuild Illinois Bill and President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill, great things are happening in our Region. Thank you Governor Pritzker and President Biden on behalf of Williamson County for demonstrating your commitment to the people of our region.â€�
Donald Trump Jr. will be speaking at 9 p.m. tonight, October 8 at the Marion Pavilion.