The 1939 rally was an overtly racist and antisemitic event held in solidarity with another country, rather than in support of a U.S. presidential candidate. The Trump rally had no symbols of Nazism or Fascism, and organizers portrayed it as a mainstream political rally with celebrities, comedians, media personalities and the candidate.

In Pennsylvania — a pivotal state in this year's tight election — Puerto Ricans wield significant clout. A comedian at a Trump rally called Puerto Rico a "floating island of garbage."