President Trump gives remarks at Wheeler High School as protesters criticize visit, policies
ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — President Donald Trump gave remarks at Wheeler High School Wednesday afternoon.
He touted the newly launched Trump Accounts investment program at the high school in Marietta.
Hundreds of protesters gathered across the street from Wheeler High School and along Roswell Road nearly a mile away ahead of President Trump’s appearance.
During the president’s speech, he pitched the program as a way to give young Americans a financial head start.
“For decades Washington politicians gave our children absolutely nothing but debt,” Trump said on stage. “But with the Trump Accounts we’re finally seeing and ensuring that every young American gets a great start in life and a really fair shot at the American dream.”
According to information shared by the Trump administration, the accounts would be available for any baby born during Trump’s term, with a $1,000 kickstart funded by the federal government.
Republican gubernatorial candidate Rick Jackson joined Trump on stage Wednesday and pledged that, if elected, the state would match the $1,000 federal contribution. Jackson is running against former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms for governor.
Bottoms responded to Jackson’s appearance on stage by saying Jackson would “work for Donald Trump.”
Before taking the stage, Trump spoke one-on-one with Atlanta News First statewide reporter Abby Kousouris about what Georgians should expect from him this fall.
“We have statewide races. That’s why I’m here, just to say how good we’re doing,” Trump said.
One of the major contests this fall is the race for Georgia’s U.S. Senate seat. U.S. Rep. Mike Collins, the GOP nominee challenging incumbent Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff, posted on social media that he would not attend Trump’s event.
Ossoff reacted to Collins’ absence, claiming Collins is dodging public events amid allegations that Collins has close ties to white nationalism.
When asked about the Senate race, Trump criticized Ossoff and endorsed Collins.
“I also know Ossoff, he’s a lightweight,” Trump said. Trump then called Collins “a major heavyweight” and said he hopes Collins wins.
Outside the event, protesters tell Atlanta News First’s Sydney Stallworth they believed the appearance was being used for political purposes.
“He was supposed to be here today to talk about Trump Accounts — which, I mean — benefit him,” said Jan Yanes, who protested Trump’s appearance. “But, they’re making it into a political rally for Rick Jackson and Mike Collins.”
J.P. Popham, an organizer with the Cobb County Democrats, said the group objected to the location.
“We’re against the schools being used for a political purpose,” Popham said. “We were sure this would be more than just a visit, it would be like a dog and pony political show.”
In an exclusive interview with Atlanta News First’s Chelsea Beimfohr, Cobb County Schools Chief Strategy Officer David Floresta defended the decision to host the event.
“Regardless of who is President, when the White House wants to honor your schools, you say yes,” Floresta said.
Floresta added that when the White House wants to give children under 18 a thousand dollars, officials hope parents are “excited” to learn more about it.
>> UPDATES:
4:50 p.m. | Trump wrapped up his remarks.
4:30 p.m. | Braves executives Brian Snitker and Mike Plant also took the stage to give remarks.
4:18 p.m. | Rick Jackson, Georgia GOP governor candidate, pledged that if elected, the state would match the $1,000 from the federal government for the Trump Accounts.
4:09 p.m. | Trump brought an stage families impacted by the accounts to share their stories.
4:02 p.m. | Nearly 30 minutes into his remarks, Trump said the Trump Accounts will ensure every young child gets a shot at the American Dream.
3:33 p.m. | Trump take the stage to give remarks.
3:20 p.m. | Trump is set to take the stage for his remarks.
2:50 p.m. | Trump’s motorcade arrives at Wheeler High School.
2:38 p.m.| Trump’s motorcade has departed for Wheeler High School.
2:35 p.m. | Trump has started to depart Air Force One. He will then head to Wheeler High School.
2:22 p.m. | Air Force One has landed at Dobbins Air Force Base.
2 p.m. | Several people, including GOP governor candidate Rick Jackson, started giving remarks ahead of Trump’s arrival.
1 p.m. | Air Force One departs for Georgia. Trump is expected to be in Georgia around 2 p.m.
11:26 a.m. | U.S. Rep. Mike Collins, who is the GOP’s nominee to face Sen. Jon Ossoff in the fall, posted on social media that he would not be joining Trump at the event.
We have already accomplished so much — but the job is not finished.
— Mike Collins (@MikeCollinsGA) July 22, 2026
While I wish I could be standing with the President today in Cobb county, the people of Georgia need me here in D.C. to make their voice heard. pic.twitter.com/VKfw0gqD1V
This is a developing story. Check back with Atlanta News First for updates.
Recent Posts
