Threatened with impeachment, Donald Trump holds his first campaign meeting

Up to 15,000 people are expected Saturday in Waco, Texas, a former stronghold of an anti-federalist sect.

By Le Figaro with AFP

published On 03/25/2023 at 08:08

A week ago, Donald Trump claimed – wrongly – that he would be “arrested” on March 21 in New York. Four days later, the former US president, threatened with indictmentThis Saturday, he presents his first meeting of the presidential campaign. The ex-boss, who is implicated in a payment case against pornographic actress Stormy Daniels, will perform on stage at 5 pm local time (22:00 GMT), for his “The first gathering for the 2024 elections“.

The choice of location is deeply symbolic: Waco, Texas, with a population of 130,000, was the scene 30 years ago of a deadly attack against a sect opposed to federal authority, the Branch Davidian sect. In the spring of 1993, the world is suspended for 51 days due to an FBI siege of a farmhouse where armed followers of guru David Koresh have barricaded themselves. 76 members of the cult, including 20 children, were found dead after the farm fire. Four police officers were also killed.

Donald Trump’s campaign team did not respond to requests from AFP about choosing Waco to meet. But the former president, was also threatened with an investigation into his 2020 Georgia election bid and Department of the Secret Archives of the White HouseHe regularly pretends to be the victim of a mysterious crime.shadow condition“.The FBI’s startling search for his Florida residence?”Shocking abuse of power“.The infamous impeachment action Congress has taken against him?”witch hunt“.

Breathe new life into your campaign

The crowd is expected to reach 15,000 people Saturday in Waco. By finding his base in a meeting, Donald Trump is reconnecting with an exercise he loves. Scenes of the former president, choreographing small dance steps, or throwing his famous red hats in front of an audience, have become cult followings.

In the Texas city, some of his fans were impatiently winding down on Friday night, seemingly unconcerned about their idol’s legal troubles. “Everything is distorted to give him a bad imageAgence France-Presse Kelly Heath, 49, confirmed that it was an attempt.Silence“.

Above all, this meeting offers the Republican an opportunity to breathe new life into his campaign, which is not currently enjoying the expected momentum even if most polls give him the winner in the primaries.

The billionaire who, against all odds, continues to conjure the supposedfraudNever proven in the 2020 election, it also saw a portion of the right – particularly its wealthy donors – turn to a new champion for the hard right, Ron DeSantis, 44 years. The Florida governor has yet to be officially launched into the race, but he will undoubtedly be one of his biggest challengers for the Republican nomination in 2024.