If you view massive campaigns against immigrants as political acts rather than pure demonstrations of personal dominance, it makes sense for Trump to target places like Portland or Chicago. After all, ostentatious displays of law and order thrill the base, and Trump has little to lose in such bright blue cities. But what about Charlotte?
North Carolina is a purple state, and Charlotte has a long history of underperforming for the Democrats. Riling up the population there is likely to help Roy Cooper in 2026.