Joe Germanotta, the father of global pop sensation Lady Gaga, has thrown his support behind Donald Trump in the 2024 presidential race.

Germanotta, a New York City restaurant owner, made his endorsement public during an appearance on Fox & Friends this past Thursday, and his backing of Trump comes during a critical time in the election, with both candidates competing fiercely, particularly in battleground states, as Fox News reports.

The endorsement came shortly after an assassination attempt on Trump -- the second such incident during this campaign season.

Germanotta did not mince words in his assessment of the two candidates, calling Trump a "patriot" and expressing disdain for Vice President Kamala Harris, Trump’s opponent in the 2024 race.

“They’re two vastly different people,” he remarked, going on to criticize Harris’s campaign tactics, which he sees as less genuine than Trump’s.

Restaurant Owner's Concerns Over Economy and Immigration

Germanotta’s business background also plays a key role in his political stance. He shared that his restaurant, Joanne Trattoria, was set to have a record-breaking year before the COVID-19 pandemic hit. The restaurant, which he operates in Manhattan, was projected to see a 25% increase in revenue during 2018, an indication of what he saw as a robust economy before the pandemic drastically changed the landscape.

The restaurant owner further explained that the economic downturn, compounded by rising costs and what he views as ineffective policies under the Biden-Harris administration, has harmed his business.

He expressed particular concern about immigration, calling the current situation "an invasion" and claiming it has reduced his customer base. According to Germanotta, clients who used to visit once a week now come far less frequently, which he blames on both economic struggles and changes to immigration policy.

Policy-Driven Endorsement Focuses on Key Issues

Germanotta’s endorsement of Trump is largely driven by polcy concerns. He explained that he is not focused on personalities, acknowledging that Trump can be “abrasive” but stating that he believes Trump’s policies are more aligned with what the country needs. Specifically, Germanotta praised Trump for his stance on law enforcement, his efforts to retain jobs in the United States, and his ability to maintain low food and fuel prices.

"We don’t have secure borders anymore," Germanotta said, emphasizing his concerns about illegal immigration. He argued that the Biden-Harris administration has failed to uphold legal immigration processes and that this has had a direct impact on his business and the broader economy.

Tight Race Continues As Polls Show Close Results

Despite Germanotta’s strong support for Trump, the 2024 election remains competitive. A recent Fox News poll shows Vice President Kamala Harris leading Trump by two percentage points in a direct matchup, with a notable three-point shift in her favor since mid-August. However, Trump still holds a significant advantage on several major issues, including the economy, where he leads Harris by five points.

Germanotta’s concerns reflect these polling trends, particularly regarding public safety and immigration. According to the Fox News poll, 50% of voters favor Trump’s approach to public safety, and 54% believe his immigration policies would be more effective than Harris’s.

Trump's Policies Resonate with Small Business Owners

For small business owners like Germanotta, the economic challenges of the past few years have been particularly hard-hitting. Germanotta emphasized that Trump’s policies in the past helped foster economic growth and stability, citing lower interest rates and a stronger domestic job market. These are the kinds of policies he hopes to see again under a second Trump administration.

While acknowledging that Trump’s personality can be polarizing, Germanotta focused on the tangible impacts of the former president’s actions. “I endorse Donald Trump. I endorse his policies,” he said during his appearance, explaining that he believes Trump's economic and public safety plans are what the country needs to get back on track.

Polarizing Opinions Reflect a Nation Divided

Germanotta’s comments come at a time when the nation is deeply divided over the future of its leadership. As the race between Trump and Harris intensifies, endorsements like this one may play a crucial role in swaying undecided voters. The two candidates present starkly different visions for the future of the country, a fact that Germanotta highlighted in his remarks.

“One of them is pure, and he’s a patriot,” he said of Trump, contrasting this with what he sees as Harris’s opportunistic approach to the campaign. “The other is just going to say whatever she needs to say to get elected,” he added, expressing frustration with the political rhetoric coming from the vice president’s camp.

Germanotta’s Stance Reflects Broader Voter Concerns

As the 2024 election draws closer, voters like Germanotta are focusing on policy over personality. Germanotta’s endorsement reflects concerns shared by many Americans who are looking for economic recovery, secure borders, and a stable job market. These issues will likely remain central to the election as both candidates continue to campaign across the country.

The tight race shows no signs of slowing down, and with both candidates drawing strong support from different segments of the population, the outcome remains uncertain. Germanotta’s support for Trump adds another voice to a growing debate over the direction the country will take in 2024.