Trump Returns... First Large-Scale Rally Appearance Since Leaving Office

Former U.S. President Donald Trump attending a large rally held in Wellington, Lorain County, Ohio, USA. [Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Chunhee Lee] Former U.S. President Donald Trump made his first large-scale campaign appearance since leaving office.

According to Bloomberg, on the 26th (local time), former President Trump spoke at an event held in Wellington, Ohio, where thousands of supporters gathered, saying, "We will take back the White House, take back Congress, and take back America."

He also said, "We have already won two elections. We can win the third election as well." The two election victories he mentioned appear to refer not only to his 2016 victory over Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton but also to his refusal to concede the 2020 election, in which he was defeated by current U.S. President Joe Biden. By mentioning the third election, he hinted at a full-scale move toward the 2024 presidential election.

In addition, during his speech lasting about an hour and a half, former President Trump attacked the Biden administration and emphasized the need to punish opposition factions within the Republican Party, urging supporters to unite.

His appearance in Ohio was to support former White House aide Max Miller, who declared his candidacy for the House of Representatives in this area. Miller must compete in the Republican primary against incumbent Representative Anthony Gonzalez of the same district. Representative Gonzalez voted in favor of impeaching former President Trump in the congressional vote last January.

This rally was the first of four planned events under the "Save America" campaign. The next rally will be held on July 3, the day before the U.S. Independence Day (July 4), in Sarasota, Florida, where former President Trump currently resides.

Through these rallies, former President Trump plans to reemphasize his campaign slogan, "Make America Great Again (MAGA)."