"Returns in Some Form" Strongly Suggests Political Comeback
Still Solid Support Among Conservatives...Interest in Party Formation
[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] Former U.S. President Donald Trump hinted at a possible return to politics in his farewell speech before leaving office, drawing attention to his future political moves. Trump continues to enjoy strong support among American conservatives, and by suggesting the creation of a new party separate from the Republican Party based in Florida and his intention to run in the next presidential election, he is expected to leave a significant aftershock in U.S. politics even after his departure.
According to foreign media including the Associated Press (AP), on the 20th (local time), former President Trump left the White House before the inauguration of newly elected President Joe Biden and held a farewell ceremony at Andrews Air Force Base. After delivering his farewell speech, Trump boarded Air Force One bound for Florida, saying, "I will be back in some form." Earlier, before boarding Marine One, the presidential helicopter, at the White House, he emphasized, "I want to say goodbye, but it won't be a long farewell," adding, "We will see each other again soon."
AP reported that as his plane landed at Palm Beach International Airport in Florida, the waiting crowd gave a huge cheer. Hundreds of supporters lined the route to the Mar-a-Lago resort owned by Trump, showing their support. AP noted that this appeared to be a mobilization to demonstrate his continued influence. Considering these actions, some analysts interpret Trump's final farewell speech not as a simple goodbye but as a signal of his return to politics.
Earlier, the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported that former President Trump discussed with aides and close associates the formation of a new party called the "Patriot Party." It is expected that he will establish the Patriot Party separately from the Republican Party and challenge for re-election in 2024. Spending time on pardoning close aides until his last day in office is also interpreted as a strategic move to prepare for the party's establishment.
The reason Trump is preparing to form a new party is presumed to be due to his still considerable support among American conservatives. According to a poll conducted by Rasmussen, a conservative-leaning U.S. polling agency, on the 7th, Trump's approval rating was recorded at 48%.
In U.S. politics, the Democratic and Republican parties are cooperating to push for Trump's impeachment. The House of Representatives has already passed the impeachment resolution, and the Senate impeachment trial remains. Even Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell turned against Trump on the 6th, holding him responsible for inciting the Capitol riot, increasing the likelihood of the Senate passing the impeachment resolution. Analysts suggest that both Democrats and Republicans are trying to prevent Trump's return to politics and his 2024 re-election bid after leaving office.
For a former president who has been impeached, Congress can propose and pass a disqualification from holding public office, which, if approved, can block a re-election bid. The Democratic Party plans to immediately introduce a disqualification bill against Trump once the impeachment resolution passes. Since the bill only requires a majority in the Senate, and the current Senate is evenly split with 50 seats each for Democrats and Republicans, it is expected to pass.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
