Famous television host and psychologist Dr. Phil McGraw spoke at the Madison Square Garden rally on Sunday. He claimed former President Trump is not a bully.
"It is always wrong when you bully somebody. And that's what's going on now. Let me tell you what the critics are going to say when they hear me talking about this. They're going to say, well, now, wait a minute, come on, isn’t Trump a bully? And let me tell you why the answer to that question is no," McGraw told the thousands in attendance.
He clarified, "To be a bully, there has to be an imbalance of power. And when there's not, it's just called a debate. And he's just better at it than anybody else. It's called debating. It's called arguing. It just may even be name-calling. But it's not bullying unless there's an imbalance of power."
This rally marked McGraw's first endorsement of Trump. Earlier in the year, he interviewed Trump on his network, Merit Street Media, and stated he does not endorse candidates. He also condemned the "weaponization" of the justice system after Trump’s guilty verdict.
The rally featured other celebrities and politicians, including UFC CEO Dana White, former NYC Mayor Rudy Giuliani, "Jersey Shore" star Vinny Guadagnino, and wrestling icon Hulk Hogan.
Trump took the stage just after 7 p.m. An estimated 20,000 supporters packed the arena, with another 20,000 outside in Midtown Manhattan.
McGraw acknowledged he "may not be an expert in politics," but he is "an expert about bullying."
He defined bullying as seeking to harm, intimidate, or cause distress. "It can be physical, verbal, relational or cyberbullying. And it's always wrong," he stated.
He also mentioned how Trump supporters often face backlash. "They get canceled, intimidated, marginalized, excluded or even fired or boycotted."
"And you know what that means. In short, that adds up to being bullied. And now we're talking about something I know a hell of a lot about," McGraw said.
"Now you're in my wheelhouse, buddy," he concluded.