Joe Arpaio thinks the secret to Donald Trump's campaign success is the silent majority. | AP Photo Sheriff Arpaio revives birther controversy at Trump rally

Donald Trump's first post-debate event on Wednesday in Arizona kicked off with none other than Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio, who wasted no time in bringing up the birther controversy fueled by Trump himself.

"If you recall, five months ago, I introduced Donald Trump. At that time, I said a few things, we have something in common — the birth certificate investigation, which is still going on," Arpaio told the Mesa, Arizona, audience awaiting Trump, referencing the Republican presidential candidate's push in 2011 to get President Barack Obama to release his long-form birth certificate.


The event marks six months since the Manhattan businessman and developer announced his presidential campaign, and comes as Trump has reached a new high in national polls, cracking the 40 percent support mark. "He doesn't need a warm-up. He's already hot. Of course, not around here. It's a little Chicago weather," the sheriff said, on a day where the high was expected to only reach the mid-50s.

Arpaio also played up shared concerns on illegal immigration, as well as the fact that the two share a birthday — "Flag Day, June 14."

"Nobody else had the guts to talk about [immigration]," Arpaio remarked. "Think of that. Now they all have to talk about it."

Donald Trump responds to 'bullshit' criticism An excerpt of Donald Trump's event in Arizona on Wednesday.

He also recalled his line that Trump's secret to success has been drawing a silent majority.

"It's not silent anymore. So very proud what he's accomplished in the last, what, five months. Think of that," Arpaio said.

