In his first speech since announcing he plans to seek re-election in 2024, Trump touted his achievements in office
The former US president Donald Trump received cheers yesterday Saturday at Las Vegas during the Republican Party convention, but many GOP officials criticized the disappointing results of the midterm elections for the party.
In his first speech since announcing Tuesday that he plans to seek re-election in 2024, Trump, speaking via video link, touted his achievements in office and praised donors and members of the Jewish Republican League, the annual conference of which is held in Las Vegas.
The 76-year-old former president refused to take responsibility for the outcome of the midterm elections for the Republicans and especially for the candidates he supported.
The Republican party is “much bigger and stronger than it was before me,” he said.
Moreover, Trump once again yesterday questioned Joe Biden’s victory in the 2020 presidential election. “The election was rigged,” he said, but the attendees, who had warmly welcomed him, did not react.
The former US president’s name was added at the last minute to the list of conference speakers. His participation has created a climate of anticipation, as many of his critics have called on Trump to change tack and support “strong leadership.”
The convention in Las Vegas was also attended by his potential rivals in the race for the Republican nomination for the 2024 presidential election.
The party’s rising star, Florida Gov. Ron DeSandis, 44, who won re-election and is considered one of Trump’s main rivals, praised his performance in the midterm elections.
“We won more independent votes, we got a record number of Hispanic votes. We won in districts all over Florida,” DeSandis said to the applause of convention attendees, many of whom reached out to shake his hand.
Former South Carolina governor and former US ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley, 50, said she would give “serious consideration” to running in the Republican primary.
“I’ve always been the underdog, I’ve always been underestimated, it’s always fun,” he commented. “But I have never lost an election battle. And I’m not going to start now,” he added.
Many Republican officials blamed Trump for the party’s performance in the midterm elections.
“I have an amazing policy to propose for the Republican party: let’s stop supporting crazy candidates in our primaries, candidates who can’t be elected,” said New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu, without naming Trump.
Powerful leaders, not celebrities
Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie was more blunt in his speech and insisted that Trump should be held accountable for the outcome of the midterm elections.
“Donald Trump chose candidates with one criterion. It didn’t matter if they could be elected, if they had experience, if they were wise, if they had charisma (…) but whether or not they believed that the 2020 presidential election was stolen. If you believe that, I support you, otherwise, I reject you,” he complained Christie who addressed the conference a few hours before the former president.
“Let me tell you that he does not represent this party. This is not what it should represent in the future. We have to stop it now. We are losing because Donald Trump has come in above everyone,” he warned.
For his part, Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan again criticized Trump in his speech on Friday.
“Even Trump’s staunchest supporters say they’re fed up (…),” he said.
The Republican party had promised that the Nov. 8 midterm elections would see a “red wave” that would deprive the Democrats of control of both houses of Congress.
But Republicans won a slim majority in the House of Representatives after many Trump-backed candidates were defeated. The same was true of Senate candidates, with Democrats managing to retain a majority in the chamber but running for governor in key states.
Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, who analysts say is also a likely candidate for the Republican nomination, addressed the convention.
“Our party needs strong leaders, now more than ever. Personalities, celebrities do not do work”, he assessed.
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With a wealth of experience honed over 4+ years in journalism, I bring a seasoned voice to the world of news. Currently, I work as a freelance writer and editor, always seeking new opportunities to tell compelling stories in the field of world news.
