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Donald Trump’s recent rally in the Coachella Valley was marked by a significant exaggeration of crowd size, a recurring theme in his public appearances. On October 12, he claimed that **100,000 people** attended the event at Calhoun Ranch, a figure echoed by his ally Laura Loomer. However, the actual attendance, according to the Riverside County Fire Marshall, was only around **15,000 people**. This glaring discrepancy of **85,000** attendees raises eyebrows and highlights the ongoing tendency for inflated crowd estimates.

Trump kicked off the rally around 5:30 PM, entertaining the audience with a mix of humor and music, specifically Lee Greenwood’s “God Bless the U.S.A.” Despite the sweltering mid-90s temperatures, he engaged the crowd, joking about wearing his MAGA hat versus showing off his hair. After the event, he took to Truth Social to tout the purported massive turnout, further feeding the narrative of his popularity.

Loomer quickly echoed Trump’s claims on social media, taking a jab at Vice President Kamala Harris in the process. The reality, however, starkly contrasts with their assertions, illustrating a pattern of overblown claims surrounding his events.

The aftermath of the rally was chaotic for some attendees. Many were bussed in for the event but faced a logistical nightmare when it came time to return. Reports indicated a severe shortage of buses, leading to confusion and frustration among the crowd, with one attendee noting that only **three buses** were available for the return journey, down from about **20** when they arrived.

While Trump and Loomer basked in the glow of their exaggerated claims, the reality on the ground painted a much different picture, showcasing the gap between political rhetoric and actual attendance at events.