On Sunday, prior to his speech in front of thousands in Poughkeepsie, Donald Trump held a private, somewhat secretive, rally in the Hudson Valley.

Shortly after 3:00 p.m. Sunday, the Republican presidential hopeful told the crowd at the Mid-Hudson Civic Center it was the largest in the venue's history. Prior to that Trump's helicopters were spotted in Orange County.

Christopher Dietz
Christopher Dietz
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In private invite only event Trump spoke at the New York Military Academy in Cornwall. The appearance wasn't a campaign stop, just a chance for Trump to tour the academy and speak with supporters at his alma-mater.

Trump graduated from the New York Military Academy in 1964. In 1998 he was given the academy's highest honor with the Alumnus Distinction award. An award given to an alumnus "in recognition of success or renown in a particular field of endeavor whose accomplishments have reflected creditably upon himself and the personnel or institutions associated with him."

While faculty, students, and alumni were able to attend the private rally, it seems many were shut out. In a statement on the school's website, Anthony Desa, President of the Academy, addressed  alumni, parents, staff and faculty  and wrote, "Unfortunately we have no more passes available to Mr. Trump's visit on Sunday. Only those who received confirmation from the school will be able to pick up their passes."

The event started at 2:00 p.m. Supporters wishing to attend were told they had to be on campus by 11 a.m.

On Facebook, the Orange County Deputy Sheriffs PBA called it a "Great day." Adding, "Great weather at an invite-only, last minute detail for Trump."

Prior to Trump's arrival,  Democratic hopeful Bernie Sanders campaigned at Marist College on last Tuesday. While Trump rallied in the City of Poughkeepsie, Chelsea Clinton campaigned on her mother's behalf in the Town of Poughkeepsie and Kingston Sunday.

Videos of scene's from Trump's Poughkeepsie Rally and interviews with supporters can be seen below:

 

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