PALM BEACH, FLORIDA — At his Mar-a-Lago residence on Tuesday night, former President Donald Trump announced that he will run for president in 2024. Trump filed with the Federal Election Commission on Tuesday as an official presidential candidate.
Trump alluded to the recent midterm elections where Republicans, including some of his endorsed candidates, lost in crucial races. “Much criticism is being placed on the fact that the Republican Party should’ve done better, and frankly, much of this blame is correct,” said Trump.
“But the citizens of our country have not yet realized the full extent and gravity of the pain our nation is going through. They don’t quite feel it yet, but they will very soon,” Trump added.
DID NOT MENTION DESANTIS
The announcement included the usual targets of President Joe Biden, the mainstream news media, and China. However, Trump said he wanted the evening to be “elegant.” He did not mention Ron DeSantis, whom he attacked late last week.
“In order to make America great and glorious again, I tonight am announcing my candidacy for president of the United States,” Trump told a crowd of hundreds in the opulent grand ballroom of his estate in Palm Beach. “America’s comeback starts right now.”
“DISMANTLE THE DEEP STATE”
During his speech, Trump said that he is the target of a coordinated conspiracy by law enforcement and government officials to undermine his presidency. “I’m a victim. I will tell you; I’m a victim,” said Trump. “We will dismantle the deep state and restore government by the people,” he added.
Before facing Biden, or another Democratic nominee in the general election, Trump must win the Republican primary. Potential rivals include Trump’s former vice president Mike Pence, former secretary of state Mike Pompeo, and former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, Nikki Haley.
Though many have speculated that Governor Ron DeSantis might challenge Trump, the governor has not made any announcement. However, DeSantis did appear to respond to Trump’s attack: “When you’re leading, you take incoming fire,” the Florida governor said at a press conference on Tuesday..
