Former President Donald Trump held his first campaign rally since announcing his 2024 presidential bid on Saturday, taking the stage in Waco, Texas.
Trump disembarked from Trump Force One and walked directly past thousands of supporters standing on the tarmac to the tune of “God Bless the U.S.A.” Attendants were then asked to place their hands on their hearts as “Justice for All” by the J6 Prison Choir played. (RELATED: January 6 Prison Choir Has The Number One Song In The Country)
His remarks focused on “the weaponization” of the Department of Justice under the Biden administration, saying Democrats are using “investigations” against Republican rivals because it’s “harder for them to stuff the ballot boxes.”
In his speech, Trump mentioned the possible indictment coming from Manhattan relating to his alleged payment of hush money to porn star Stormy Daniels. Trump had said Saturday he was expecting to be arrested Tuesday, but after delays, the earliest the grand jury deliberating the case would issue a verdict is Monday.
“The District Attorney of New York under the auspices and direction of the Department of Injustice in Washington, D.C., was investigating me for something that is not a crime. Not a misdemeanor. Not an affair. I never liked horse face,” Trump said, referencing the allegation that he slept with Daniels.
“That wouldn’t be the one. There is no one. We have a great first lady,” Trump added.
WACO, TEXAS – MARCH 25: A person wearing a cutout prop of former first lady Melania Trump while waiting in line at the Waco Regional Airport ahead of former U.S. President Donald Trump’s arrival on March 25, 2023 in Waco, Texas. Former U.S. president Donald Trump will attend and speak at his first rally since announcing his 2024 presidential campaign. Today in Waco also marks the 30 year anniversary of the weeks deadly standoff involving Branch Davidians and federal law enforcement. 82 Davidians were killed, and four agents left dead. (Photo by Brandon Bell/Getty Images)
The former president also spoke about how he took on China and Russia, how “disloyal” Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is, the possibility of Democrats “stealing” the 2024 election, Jan. 6, the war in Ukraine, and more.
He stressed that the 2024 election will be a “pivotal” moment for the country, saying, “either the Deep State destroys America or we destroy the Deep State.”
Trump announced his Texas leadership team before his speech, declaring that Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, Attorney General Ken Paxton and Republican Texas Reps. Ronny Jackson, Troy Nehls, Wesley Hunt, Michael Burgess, Pete Sessions, John Carter, Randy Weber, Roger Williams, Brian Babin, Beth Van Duyne and Pat Fallon — among others — would be part of the group.