President Donald Trump plans to visit Gastonia on Wednesday, Sept. 16, as Republicans look to rally North Carolina voters ahead of the midterm elections.
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Trump will deliver remarks at Gastonia Municipal Airport starting at 7 p.m., The Charlotte Observer reported, citing White House officials. The event is intended to boost Republican U.S. Senate candidate Michael Whatley, a self-described “son of western North Carolina.”
Whatley will face Democrat and former North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper as the two vie for the U.S. Senate seat vacated by Thom Tillis. Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3.
“I am thrilled to welcome Donald J. Trump to my home of Gastonia,” Whatley wrote on Facebook. “President Trump needs an ally in the Senate and North Carolina needs a fighter.”
Here’s what to know ahead of the president’s visit:
Anyone interested in attending Wednesday’s event can register for a ticket at sl1nk.com/20wv9h2.
Admission is free and tickets will be given on a first come, first served basis, officials said. Registration is limited to one ticket per mobile number.
Folks who live, work and commute through southeast Gastonia are urged to plan ahead, as “significant traffic impacts” are expected in the area starting early Wednesday morning.
Soft street closures and travel restrictions tied to the president’s visit will begin around 10 a.m. with full-on closures beginning around 5:30 p.m., the Gastonia Police Department said in an update.
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Officials had advised locals to avoid impacted areas between 2 p.m. and 10 p.m. Those areas will generally include:
Police said drivers should also expect soft closures and detours near:
“If you need to travel through southeast Gastonia during this time, allow extra time, expect delays, and follow posted detours and the directions of officers working traffic control,” the department said.
“We appreciate your patience and cooperation as we work to keep everyone safe during Wednesday’s visit.”
Commuters are advised against using residential streets as alternate routes. If you plan on attending the event, parking in neighborhoods is also a no-go and could get you towed, officers warned.
Traffic conditions could change, but locals are advised to avoid the area altogether.
Mark Price contributed reporting.
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This story was originally published September 15, 2026 at 9:36 AM with the headline “President Trump is coming to Gastonia. How to see him (+ plan for road closures).”
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