Trump's First Speech After Leaving Office... Suggests Possible Run in Next Presidential Election

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Song Seung-yoon] Former U.S. President Donald Trump hinted at the possibility of running in the 2024 presidential election.

On the 28th (local time), at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), the annual major event of the conservative camp held in Orlando, Florida, former President Trump said in his speech, "Who knows? I might make a third decision to defeat them." Although he did not directly mention running in the next presidential election, he left the possibility open.

This was the first time in 39 days since his departure on the 20th of last month that former President Trump spoke at an official event. Many view this official speech as a formal resumption of his political activities and an attempt to prepare for the next election.

According to major foreign media, in his speech, former President Trump repeated claims that the Democrats stole the election and argued that the Democrats could lose the White House in four years.

He said, "The movement of proud and hardworking American patriots has just begun," adding, "In the end, we will win."

Former President Trump also officially denied rumors about forming a new party that had been circulating. He called some U.S. media reports that he was trying to create a third party "fake news," and emphasized, "I will not form a new party. We have the Republican Party. It will be more united and stronger than ever."

He continued, "Over the next four years, the brave Republicans here will be at the core of efforts opposing the radical Democrats and the fake news media," adding, "I will continue to fight on your side."

He also continued his criticism of President Joe Biden. Trump criticized Biden's policies on the Mexico border and immigration, as well as the slow return to in-person schooling during the pandemic, saying, "Biden has had the worst first months of any president in modern history."

Continuing his claims of election fraud, former President Trump also raised issues with the election process. He claimed, "We have a very sick and corrupt election process that needs to be fixed immediately. This election was rigged," and added, "The Supreme Court and other courts did not want to do anything about it."

Former President Trump wore a red tie, the symbolic color of the Republican Party, and kissed the American flag as soon as he stepped onto the stage. He began his speech with the words, "Do you still miss me?" The attendees shouted slogans such as "USA" and "You won."

As before, Trump entered without a mask and gave a campaign-style speech for an hour and 30 minutes. Throughout his indoor speech, a large portion of the approximately 1,000 audience members also did not wear masks.